🇺🇸 White House opens doors to creators

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Oracle and Microsoft might team up to take over TikTok, with Oracle running the show and Microsoft throwing in some cash, according to NPR. The White House is apparently in the mix, but Trump claims he’s not chatting with Oracle—just “substantial people” about a possible deal.

The White House wants creators in the press room

Big news for creators—the Trump administration is officially letting podcasters, YouTubers, and digital-first journalists into the White House press room. Yep, the same room that’s historically been dominated by network news anchors and legacy media reporters now has a front-row seat reserved for “new media.”

What’s happening

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement in her first-ever press briefing, saying the administration wants to speak directly to the platforms where people actually get their news—aka not just cable news or newspapers. Instead, they’re bringing in the people running the podcasts, YouTube channels, and social accounts that drive the conversation online.

Why it matters

• Creators are the new media. The White House is acknowledging what’s already obvious—people trust creators more than traditional news. A Gallup poll found that trust in mainstream media is at an all-time low, while independent creators continue to build massive, engaged audiences.

• Trump’s media playbook. During the election, Trump skipped network interviews in favor of hanging out with Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and the Nelk Boys. Now, the same approach is coming to the White House.

• Legacy media panic? Some traditional outlets are not going to love this. For decades, access to the briefing room has been a marker of prestige. Now, that same space is opening up to creators who built their influence outside the system.

But here’s the catch: The first question at the briefing went to Axios co-founder Mike Allen—aka, a guy who’s already deeply embedded in the D.C. press scene. So while the door is open to creators, it’s still unclear how much actual access they’ll get or if this is just a flashy PR move.

Still, the message is clear: The White House knows creators aren’t just entertainment—they’re shaping public discourse. Whether this becomes a real shift in media power or just a short-term experiment, one thing’s for sure—creators are now sitting at the big-kid table.

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Can creators predict the next big thing in books?

The publishing industry is changing fast—and creators are at the center of it.

The shift: Book sales are thriving, indie bookstores are seeing a resurgence, and book clubs have gone from cozy niche to pop-culture flex. Big publishers are no longer just chasing New York Times reviews—they’re investing heavily in creators, whose recommendations can launch bestsellers overnight.

What’s driving it

• Creators run the book world now. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have turned casual readers into industry power players. Even with the uncertainty around TikTok, publishers know they need creators to sell books.

• Books as a lifestyle flex. Fashion brands are hosting book pop-ups, literary events now come with merch and Botox stations, and celebrities are diving into book clubs. Reading isn’t just about reading—it’s a status symbol.

• Indie authors are breaking through. Self-published books, once an afterthought, are getting picked up by major publishers thanks to creator-led hype. BookTok and Instagram Reels have made it easier than ever for an unknown author to blow up overnight.

The creator economy meets publishing

For years, the industry viewed book influencers as a cute side note. Not anymore. Publishers are throwing serious cash at creator marketing, recognizing that one viral video can outsell a traditional PR campaign.

• “The best marketing is word-of-mouth, and creators have perfected that,” says Michael LaBorn, who runs Left Unread Books.

• “Publishers are listening to readers in a way they never have before,” says Megan Tripp, social media director at Penguin Random House.

• “Book influencers aren’t outside publishing anymore—they are publishing,” says Chinelo Ikem, founder of @interestedinblackbooks.

What’s next for creators?

With TikTok’s future in limbo, creators are diversifying. Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and even Substack are becoming new hubs for book content. Some are going beyond books, experimenting with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content to stay relevant.

“I see a future where book influencers are treated like beauty influencers—brand trips, focus groups, partnerships,” says Eden Yonas of @edensarchives.

The rise of indie publishing

Frustration with traditional publishing is driving more creators toward indie and self-publishing. Platforms like Bindery Books are giving creators the chance to launch their own imprints, choosing books that align with their audience.

“Indie publishing isn’t going back into the shadows,” says Michael LaBorn. “Readers are fully on board now.”

The bigger picture

Books aren’t just entertainment—they’re political. With book bans on the rise and publishing facing pressure to amplify diverse voices, creators are stepping into advocacy roles, using their platforms to push for change.

• “BookTok is the most powerful bookselling tool in the world. If it consistently championed marginalized voices, the industry would change overnight,” says LaBorn.

• “Reading is political. Always has been, always will be,” says Traci Thomas of The Stacks Podcast.

Final prediction? Books will keep shaping culture—and creators will keep shaping books. Whether TikTok survives or not, one thing is clear: The future of publishing belongs to the people making it go viral.

Today’s top news

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• X is rolling out X Money later this year, backed by Visa, to enable in-app payments, but regulatory hurdles could still slow Musk’s “everything app” vision.

• Instagram ranks Stories based on taps, likes, and replies—engage your audience with interactive features to boost visibility.