From a tumultuous beginning to a humiliating conclusion, 2025 unfolded as the era dominated by the actions of Donald Trump. From his bold threats in January regarding Greenland and Canada to his legal actions against the BBC in December, and his contentious trade policies affecting various nations in between, the year was marked by the controversial actions of the orange-hued figure.
Domestically, racial tensions flared, prison escapes persisted, and Nigel Farage gained significant popularity in polls. Nevertheless, amidst ongoing criticisms, the Labour government achieved notable milestones such as reducing NHS waiting lists, increasing the minimum wage, lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, initiating efforts to mend relations with the EU, and bringing the railways back under public ownership. Reflecting on the events of 2025, here is an assessment of the year’s victors and vanquished.
**MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT**
Witnessing Emmanuel Macron receiving a surprise rebuke from his spouse as they disembarked the French presidential aircraft was a moment of satisfaction. Equally gratifying was the exposure of Nigel Farage’s alleged racist past by numerous former classmates. Additionally, the passing of the Hillsborough Law in Parliament, enabling individuals to challenge governmental cover-ups promptly, was a significant step forward. However, the most gratifying sight was witnessing the once-privileged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stripped of his titles and referred to by his birth name.
**MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT**
Several moments stood out as disappointments, including a distasteful Pepto-Bismol advertisement featuring actors singing about diarrhea, David Beckham’s knighthood for what seemed like obsequious behavior, and Robert Jenrick’s controversial statements. Notably, the eyesore of a massive fly-tipping incident near the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire starkly symbolized a decline in societal standards.
**MOST INSPIRING QUOTE**
Among various quotes, Katy Perry’s reflection after a brief space travel experience with Jeff Bezos stood out for its vacuity. Gregg Wallace’s dismissive response to complaints about his behavior, and Jack Osbourne’s tribute to his father, Ozzy, were also noteworthy. Ultimately, Jack Osbourne’s quote encapsulating a life lived to the fullest resonated as the most impactful.
**OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL**
Recognizing exceptional individuals, Ricky Gervais’s charitable contributions, Gary Grant’s altruistic gesture towards his employees, and Ahmed al Ahmed’s courageous intervention during a crisis exemplified remarkable acts of kindness and bravery.
**REMARKABLE WOMAN**
Acknowledging noteworthy figures like Saoirse Ronan and Aimee Lou Wood for their vocal stances on various issues, the ultimate recognition goes to Virginia Giuffre for her unwavering courage and truth-telling, despite the powerful forces she confronted.
**MOST DISAPPOINTING INDIVIDUAL**
Highlighting instances of greed, unethical behavior, and moral bankruptcy, figures like Piotr Szczerek, Peter Mandelson, and Elon Musk were among the individuals who garnered negative attention. Notably, Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s actions were deemed particularly reprehensible for his association with Donald Trump and dubious actions.
**MOST DISAPPOINTING WOMAN**
While several individuals garnered negative attention, figures like Liz Truss, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and The Duchess of Sussex were noted for their controversial actions. However, the spotlight was on The Duchess formerly known as York, Sarah Ferguson, for her involvement in a leaked email exchange with a convicted criminal.
**HUMOROUS HIGHLIGHT**
Amidst various incidents, Paul McCartney’s humorous claim, a fictitious council letter prank, and Donald Trump’s bizarre tariff imposition on Antarctica’s wildlife reserves provided moments of amusement and perplexity.
This overview encapsulates the highs, lows, and peculiarities of the eventful year that was 2025.