Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was marked by significant global events, including the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, the death of Pope Francis, and wars in Israel and Ukraine.
- The US experienced a series of domestic terrorism incidents, including a tragic act of violence on Bourbon Street and a jailbreak in New Orleans.
- The economy was impacted by Trump’s tariff campaign, which led to a significant stock market drop and a record-breaking government shutdown.
- The year also saw notable cultural events, including the release of A Minecraft Movie, the 50th anniversary of Jaws, and the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.
- The US government implemented various changes, including the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, the expansion of immigration detention centers, and the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from schools.
Introduction to 2025
The year 2025 was a significant one, marked by a blend of global events, domestic terrorism, economic turmoil, and cultural phenomena. The USA TODAY Graphics Team brought readers visually engaging stories that explained some of the year’s biggest news, politics, weather, sports, entertainment, and more. Using a combination of maps, charts, and illustrations, the team kept readers informed about significant global events, including the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, the death of Pope Francis, and wars in Israel and Ukraine. In this article, we will revisit the stories that shaped 2025 and highlight the key takeaways from the year.
Domestic Terrorism and Natural Disasters
The year began with a tragic act of domestic terrorism on Bourbon Street, where a 42-year-old man drove his pickup truck into a crowd, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. Just a week later, Southern California was hit by a series of unprecedented winter wildfires, which destroyed over 16,000 structures and killed at least 29 people. The internet was also thrown into chaos when TikTok temporarily stopped working in the US on the eve of Trump’s second inauguration. These events set the tone for a year marked by domestic terrorism and natural disasters.
Trump’s Return to Office
Trump’s return to office was noteworthy not only because of his rare indoor inauguration but also because he signed over 20 executive orders and actions on Inauguration Day, more than any previous US president. Some of the most notable executive orders included renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" and declaring a national emergency at the southern border. Trump’s actions sparked controversy and debate, setting the stage for a tumultuous year in US politics.
Economic Turmoil
The economy was also impacted by Trump’s tariff campaign, which led to a significant stock market drop and a record-breaking government shutdown. The tariff war started with Trump’s "Liberation Day" announcement