Trump and his MAGA movement returned to the Oval Office
The year 2025 saw Donald Trump’s dramatic return to the White House, inaugurating his second non-consecutive term in January after a decisive 2024 victory in which he won all of the swing states.
DOGE led by the world’s richest man
His administration launched the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led briefly by Elon Musk, aimed at slashing federal spending but dissolving amid chaos and Musk’s departure in the summer.
Gaza-Israel conflict
Internationally, a fragile Gaza-Israel ceasefire took hold in October under Trump’s mediation, halting major hostilities and initiating hostage releases, though full peace remained elusive amid reconstruction challenges.
Pro-Palestine protests aka ‘hate marches‘
Pro-Palestine demonstrations continued in London, New York, and other cities, with participants openly spouting Jew-hatred, including calls to “globalise the intifada.”
Meanwhile, in the UK, the government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in July following vandalism incidents that included multi-million-pound damage to RAF aircraft.
The world’s oldest hatred – and a globalised intifada?
Rising antisemitism marred the year, tragically culminating in deadly attacks: two worshippers killed at a Manchester synagogue in October and 15 murdered during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Australia, in December – both linked to Islamist extremism.
Despite clear motives, including an ISIS flag found in the car of one of the Bondi attackers, many political leaders insisted the incidents had “nothing to do with Islam” and trotted out hollow platitudes such as “diversity is our strength.”
Illegal immigration remains a hot topic
In the UK, small-boat crossings exceeded 40,000, dominated by young fighting-age men, intensifying public perceptions of unfairness and straining resources. One of PM Keir Starmer’s main election slogans was “smash the gangs,” referring to the criminals ferrying migrants across the English Channel in dinghies. How’s that going, Keir?
Lucy Connolly jailed for a social media post – Alaa Abd el-Fattah welcomed by the PM
Lucy Connolly was released after serving a 31-month jail term for inciting racial hatred in a social media post, which she deleted after a few hours, made during unrest in 2024 following the Southport terror attack in which three children were killed.
Meanwhile, in a move that invited criticism over perceived unfairness, PM Keir Starmer spoke of his “profound relief” at British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah – who himself has called for violence against Zionists and police on equally offensive social media posts – being returned to the UK after his release from jail for agitating protests.
Andrew de-princed amind Epstein outrage
Renewed Epstein revelations led to Prince Andrew’s formal “de-princing,” stripping his titles. Sean “P Diddy” Combs received over four years in prison on prostitution-related charges.
Ukraine-Russia conflict
The Ukraine-Russia war persisted without resolution, with Russian forces claiming modest gains amid high costs and stalled negotiations.
Charlie Kirk
Shockingly, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September at a campus event. Kirk had gone there to debate with people who held different views from his. He was tragically shot in the neck midway through the conversation.
Rage bait
The Oxford English Dictionary named “rage bait” – deliberately provocative online content – as Word of the Year, capturing digital polarisation.
Starmer upstaged in polls by Farage
In the political realm, just 15 months after being elected, MP Keir Starmer’s approval ratings plummeted to record lows amid economic struggles largely attributed to Labour’s misguided fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the popularity of Nigel Farage surged. If there were a general election today, his Reform UK party would win.
Woe is Wales – and English cricket
Sport offered little relief: Welsh rugby endured prolonged losses and rock-bottom form, and England suffered a humiliating Ashes defeat in Australia.
2025 exposed fractures – political shifts, security threats, cultural clashes – challenging societies worldwide amid uncertainty. Roll on 2026.
