6 Of Ivanka Trump's Favorite Books

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Like most people, Ivanka Trump reads in phases. "I go through ebbs and flows," said the famous daughter during an appearance on The Skinny Confidential Podcast in 2025 [timestamp 00:50]. "I go really hard on philosophy and psychology, to some degree, and history and biographies ... I'll be at the beach with something ridiculous like Plato's 'Republic.'" On occasions when Trump has shared books she loves, it's clear she has a strong preference for nonfiction. "I actually have to force myself to read more fiction," she explained, which might explain why Trump's favorite books of 2025 included only one novel.

A glance through her favorite reads paints a portrait of a woman who loves learning and isn't afraid of dense texts. Also, given her love of self-help books, she appears to have a strong interest in personal reflection and spiritual practices. It's a safe bet she would enjoy the best nonfiction picks from Reese's Book Club. But, even while she gravitates toward nonfiction, it's clear Trump reads widely and appreciates the fun and levity that fiction can offer, and she's not too cool to read whatever is dominating the bestseller list.

Ivanka Trump has a few perennial favorite reads on her nightstand, and one of them is a philosophical classic: "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. The collection of personal reflections is more than 1800-years-old, which means Trump is certainly not alone in considering it an enduring classic. Given that the book is a bit like the ancient Greek version of self-help, this favorite suggests that Trump is devoted to personal growth.

"Meditations" is the kind of book that can feel almost modern despite its age, which might be way its become a bit of a tech bro cliche. According to readers, Aurelius's stoicism can be surprisingly applicable to contemporary life. "If you read this book patiently, giving it enough time for the lightly mentioned yet very deeply meant to absorb thoroughly, you will find this to be one of the most enlightening experiences one will ever have," wrote one Goodreads reviewer.

In an Instagram post, Ivanka Trump described "A History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell as "an intellectual pilgrimage through the architecture of human thought." Perhaps that's why it earned a place on the list of her favorite books from 2025. It's a dense read, but a classic due to its ambitious, comprehensive scope. For anyone seeking an introduction to philosophy, Russell offers a grounding in everyone from Plato to John Locke to Friedrich Nietzsche.

While reading it might be a test of endurance, readers found plenty of charming moments throughout this book. "Russell is an excellent writer. Even his fiercest critics grant him this merit," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "He has a knack for presenting abstract ideas with penetrating clarity." Considering Trump's interest in history and philosophy, it's not surprising that this tome makes her list of favorites.

Clearly, Ivanka Trump has a quirky side, since "Jitterbug Perfume" by Tom Robbins is among her favorite books. "'Jitterbug Perfume' I would recommend to anyone," said Trump, during a 2025 appearance on The Skinny Confidential podcast, describing the 1984 novel as "such a wild ride." That's putting it mildly, since Robbins' surreal novels are sidesplitting funny and manically imaginative. In this story, various characters chase after the lure of immortality. Their timelines are linked by the power of beets. Yes, the vegetable.

The colorful randomness of this novel is part of why fans adore it. By turns, it is wise then bizarre then tender. "'Jitterbug Perfume' was not my first foray into the weirdly wonderful and wonderfully weird worlds that Robbins builds from the gossamer threads of imagination unbound," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "There is a definite Pynchonian element of contrasting goofiness of the highest order against some truly sobering sorrows to maximize the impact of each emotional extreme."

"Stillness Speaks" is another book that Ivanka Trump revealed is a standby on her nightstand. Eckhart Tolle pulls from a number of different religious and philosophical disciplines to provoke deep thought and reflection. It's meant to be enjoyed slowly, with short entries designed to be mulled over. Its message centers on the importance of living in the moment. It's a great pick for anyone who is thinking of getting into meditating.

It's the kind of book that readers love going back to again and again, which might explain why Trump keeps it so readily on hand. "I find with Tolle's books that the messages are so cutting and so profound that you have to read it many times — sometimes in pieces, sometimes as a whole — to fully grasp the layers of nuance and meaning," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. It hints that Trump has a deep and ongoing spiritual practice and loves to read books that ignite deep self-reflection.

"The Essential Rumi," a compendium of poetry by the Sufi mystic and lyrical poet Rumi, is among the books that Ivanka Trump shared that she returns to "again and again, not just for insight, but for alignment." Next to a reading list so stacked with history and philosophy books, poetry might seem like a surprising choice for Trump. But the reflective, spiritual nature of Rumi's writing is actually quite on brand for her.

The collection is both wise and beautiful, which is why Rumi's writing has endured since the thirteenth century. "Miraculous," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "I learn something new every time I open this book." Another Goodreads reviewer added, "It gracefully and fiercely reminds me of what it means to be alive, to long for truth and love, to open my heart again and again." It's clear that Trump likes books that prompt deep thought, and Rumi is perfect for that.

Ivanka Trump shared on Instagram that "The Creative Act" by famed music producer Rick Rubin was among her favorite reads in 2025. This guide to creativity treats art — in all forms — like a spiritual practice. In her caption, the famous daughter described it as "a meditation on perceiving the world as art in motion and on discipline not as constraint, but as devotion."

Fans of the book praise its meditative, unconventional tone. "His advice and point of view is so refreshing and validating," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "As a creative who has been in a rut for far too long I feel encouraged to start exploring some techniques Rick shares to get me back to loving my creativity." Trump isn't really seen as a creative professional — despite a stint as a fashion designer — but her love of this book is in line with her interest in self-development and spiritual enrichment.