Here are the most powerful news photos of the year

SOURCE:Business Insider|BY:Talia Lakritz

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA - JUNE 24: U.S. Navy sailors stand along the deck as they prepare for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to depart from the Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft carrier is leaving on its scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The deployment comes during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Getty Images highlighted the 100 most powerful news photos taken by its photographers in 2025. The photos captured political unrest, natural disasters, travel nightmares, and major news events. Donald Trump's presidency and administration also featured heavily in the collection. Sandy Ciric, senior director of news photography at Getty Images, told Business Insider that the 2025 news cycle was "unrelenting." "From the first days of the new year when devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, every week brought a barrage of breaking stories — including the death of a US president, a newly elected Pope, tariff wars, terror attacks, migration, starvation, hostages, plane crashes, floods, heat waves and in addition to all that, political turmoil and upheaval from the US to Nepal and beyond," Ciric said. As the year comes to a close, the team at Getty Images curated 100 of the most powerful news photos of the year taken by its photojournalists around the world, highlighting the defining moments of 2025. "Through it all, Getty Images photojournalists faithfully covered all of these stories and indelible moments with expertise, empathy, and creativity," Ciric said. Here are 30 images from the collection of the best news photos of the year. On January 8, the casket of former President Jimmy Carter lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda the day before his funeral. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 8: The flag-draped casket of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 8, 2025 in Washington, DC. Carter's body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington on January 9. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Carter died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. He served as president from 1977 to 1981. An aerial photo taken on January 15 showed beachfront homes in Malibu, California, destroyed by the Palisades Fire. MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: In an aerial view, repair vehicles pass near burnt down beachfront homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire January 15, 2025 in Malibu, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County, with at least 25 dead, more than 12,000 structures destroyed or damaged, and 40,000 acres burned. More than 88,000 people remain under evacuation orders as high winds are forecast. Mario Tama/Getty Images Multiple wildfires across Los Angeles County, propelled by high winds, caused widespread damage in January. Firefighters worked to contain the Hughes Fire on January 22 in Castaic, California. CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Firefighters work as the Hughes Fire burns on January 22, 2025 in Castaic, California. The wildfire has spread 9,400 acres and has prompted mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County. Brandon Bell/Getty Images The California wildfires burned over 40,000 acres and killed at least 29 people. On January 30, an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, DC. ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content) Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images All 67 people on board both aircraft died in the crash, which occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. A worker removed signage on the headquarters of the US Agency for International Development on February 7 after it was shut down by the Department of Government Efficiency. WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 07: A worker removes the U.S. Agency for International Development sign on their headquarters on February 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) abruptly shutdown the U.S. aid agency earlier this week leaving thousands unemployed and putting U.S. foreign diplomacy and aid programs in limbo. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency targeted numerous federal agencies with layoffs and cuts to decrease government spending. Elon Musk and his son, X, joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11. WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump (R), and his son X Musk, speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is to sign an executive order implementing the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) "workforce optimization initiative," which, according to Trump, will encourage agencies to limit hiring and reduce the size of the federal government. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Musk and his son watched as Trump signed an executive order to implement DOGE's "Workforce Optimization Initiative." Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a heated exchange during a White House meeting on February 28. WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to negotiate a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine's mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine's economy. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Zelenskyy left the White House after the Oval Office shouting match without signing a proposed minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine. As Trump arrived for his speech to a joint session of Congress on March 4, Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury held a sign reading "This is not normal." WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for his speech to a joint session of Congress as Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) holds a sign reading "This is not normal" at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda. Win McNamee/Getty Images Other Democratic lawmakers held up signs reading "False," "Musk steals," "Protect veterans," and "Save Medicaid," as Trump outlined his policy agenda. On March 31, SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 Fram2 Mission from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA - MARCH 31: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 Fram2 Mission, from Launch Complex 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center on March 31, 2025 in Titusville, Florida. The Fram2, carrying four space tourist astronauts on a low orbit flight, will be the first polar-orbit human spaceflight mission to explore Earth. It will launch into a 90° circular orbit to the south from Florida, making it the first human spaceflight to fly over Earth's polar regions from low-Earth orbit. Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images The mission carried four space tourists in a low-orbit flight. An airline employee at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey was photographed looking fatigued amid delays and cancellations on May 6. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 6: An employee stands at the United Airlines check-in area at Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airpor on May 6, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Passengers traveling to, from, or through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have experienced several days of delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control staffing shortages and equipment malfunctions. Andres Kudacki/Getty Images Newark Airport experienced days of snarled travel due to air traffic control staffing shortages and radar outages. After the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy in Vatican City on May 11. VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 11: Pope Leone XIV leads the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter's Square on May 11, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) was elected to the papacy on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Franco Origlia/Getty Images Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, is the first US-born pope in history. A woman was photographed in the ruins of her home on May 18, the day after a tornado hit in London, Kentucky. LONDON, KENTUCKY - MAY 18: Lesly Karen Cornett stands among the debris of her house on May 18, 2025 in the community of Sunshine Hills outside of London, Kentucky. She and her husband took shelter in their bathtub and were fortunate to only receive a few cuts. A tornado struck the neighborhood of Sunshine Hills just after midnight on May 17, 2025 in London, Kentucky. Michael Swensen/Getty Images At least 25 people died as a result of the storm, CNN reported. Protesters in Paramount, California, clashed with US Border Patrol officers on June 7 amid immigration raids. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 7: A firework sent by protesters explodes near by the Los Angeles Sheriff Department officers during immigration protest on June 7, 2025 in Paramount, California. Clashes between the U.S. Border Patrol and protestors began after a Home Depot was raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Around 30 agents wearing tactical gear were stationed near a Home Depot in Paramount and faced off against protesters, south of downtown Los Angeles. Apu Gomes/Getty Images Protests broke out following immigration raids across Southern California conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard members to the Los Angeles area to quell protests, circumventing California Gov. Gavin Newsom's authority. On June 14, the US Army celebrated its 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Members of the U.S. Army drive Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the 250th birthday parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images The military parade, which coincided with Trump's 79th birthday, featured 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and about 6,600 troops. The USS Gerald R. Ford deployed to Europe on June 24 amid conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. NORFOLK, VIRGINIA - JUNE 24: U.S. Navy sailors stand along the deck as they prepare for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to depart from the Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft carrier is leaving on its scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The deployment comes during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Joe Raedle/Getty Images The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world's largest aircraft carrier. A woman was photographed pouring water over her head in Berlin during a record-high heat wave on July 2. BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 02: A girl pours water on her head as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius during a sweltering summer's day on July 02, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Weather forecasters are predicting record high temperatures for early July today and tomorrow as a heat wave sweeps the country. Maryam Majd/Getty Images Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. On July 6, a girl stood in her aunt's home in Center Point, Texas, after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to overflow. CENTER POINT, TEXAS - JULY 06: Ayzlin Garcia stands in her aunt Audrey's home after it was flooded on July 06, 2025 in Center Point, Texas. "We've lost pretty much everything in our house, but we're blessed because we still have our lives, there are people who didn't make it," said her uncle Nathan. Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, leaving more than 70 people reported dead. Brandon Bell/Getty Images At least 78 people died in central Texas, including 11 people at the Christian girls' summer camp Camp Mystic, when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes and caused severe flooding. Ukrainian troops conducted a medical evacuation with an armored infantry fighting vehicle on the border between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine on July 21. DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE - JULY 21: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image taken with an infrared camera) A soldier is rescued from an infantry position using an armored infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) during a medical evacuation conducted by the 505th Separate Marine Battalion on the border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions on July 21, 2025 in Donetsk Region, Ukraine. Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images The photo of the 505th Separate Marine Battalion was taken with an infrared camera. On July 24, members of ICE dragged a man away after his immigration court hearing in New York City. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Federal agents, including members of ICE, drag a man away after his court hearing as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on July 24, 2025 in New York City. In a news conference on Monday, Border czar Tom Homan said he is going to "flood" sanctuary cities, including New York City, with ICE agents. Spencer Platt/Getty Images In an interview with Fox News, border czar Tom Homan said that ICE planned to "flood the zone" in sanctuary cities such as New York City amid Trump's immigration crackdown. The Royal Jordanian Air Force performed an air drop of humanitarian aid over Gaza on August 6, providing a sweeping view of the devastation. GAZA - AUGUST 6: A view from the air as Jordanian air force personnel in a Jordanian C-130 military aircraft perform an air drop of aid and humanitarian supplies on August 6, 2025 in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Royal Jordanian Air Force carried out air drops of food and other aid over Gaza, alongside aircraft from other nations carrying 54 tons of humanitarian supplies. Airdrops of aid have resumed in recent weeks in an attempt to alleviate the severe lack of food and other essentials reaching people in Gaza, where the World Food Programme (WFP) has said over half a million people are enduring famine-like conditions, as Israel continues to restrict the flow of aid. Salah Malkawi/Getty Images An assessment by the United Nations conducted in October found that 81% of all structures in Gaza were damaged in Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Zohran Mamdani was photographed at a press conference on August 7, a few months before his election as the next mayor of New York City. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 07: NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference outside of the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on August 07, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani was joined by 32BJ Executive Vice President and Political Director Candis Tall, 1199 SEIU Senior Executive Vice President Nadine Williamson, together with workers from 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, and the New York State Nurses Association as he responded to Independent Mayoral Candidate Andrew Cuomo cooperating with U. S. President Donald Trump regarding the mayoral election. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Zohran Mamdani, who served as a member of the New York State Assembly, defeated former New York City Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral election in November. Trump and Putin met in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the war in Ukraine. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - AUGUST 15: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Trump gave Putin a ride in the presidential limousine known as "The Beast." A fishing boat was photographed on August 13 in Kochi, India, amid the Trump administration's 50% tariff on products from the country. KOCHI, INDIA - AUGUST 13: A smaller boat that stores fish halts in stormy weather on August 13, 2025 in Kochi, India. Kerala's fishermen are facing a severe fish scarcity, impacting their livelihoods and leading to empty stalls in local and export markets. U.S. president, Donald Trump, has issued an order mandating a 50 percent tariff on products from India. The US is the largest importer of Indian seafood but it is estimated that the tariff hike will drop the export of shrimp from India by at least 30 percent. Frozen shrimp is the primary seafood export to the US. India has to pay Asia's largest trade tariff on oil imports from Russia. Elke Scholiers/Getty Images India is one of the top suppliers of frozen shrimp to the US, where 80% of seafood is imported. The Trump administration's 50% tariffs on imports from India are expected to raise seafood prices. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth joined Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of several executive orders on August 25. WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 25: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens to President Donald Trump talk to journalists after signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Furthering his federal takeover of the capital city's law enforcement, Trump signed orders ending cashless bail in the District of Columbia, mandating prosecution for people who desecrate the American flag -- including by burning it -- and other orders. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trump signed executive orders to end cashless bail in Washington, DC, and criminalize burning the American flag despite a 1989 Supreme Court decision that protects flag burning under the First Amendment. A billboard in Orem, Utah, displayed on September 13 commemorated Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10. OREM, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 13: A billboard commemorates political activist Charlie Kirk on September 13, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday while he was speaking at an event for his "American Comeback Tour" on the campus. Chet Strange/Getty Images Kirk, a right-wing political activist who cofounded Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour." Anti-corruption protests left burned debris in place of what was once the Department of Roads building in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 15. KATHMANDU, NEPAL - SEPTEMBER 15: Workers take out remains from the debris of a burnt out building of Department of Roads of Nepal which was burnt during last Monday's anti-corruption protests on September 15, 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal has been rocked by massive youth-led protests in September 2025, triggered by anger over government corruption, nepotism, and the banning of popular social media platforms. Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images The protests in Nepal opposing government corruption, nepotism, and social media bans were largely led by members of Gen Z. Senior military leaders were summoned to Washington, DC, on September 30 for a speech by Hegseth in which he berated "fat troops" and "woke" policies. QUANTICO, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Senior military leaders listen as U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia. In an unprecedented gathering, almost 800 generals, admirals and their senior enlisted leaders have been ordered into one location from around the world on short notice. Alex Wong/Getty Images "It's tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops," Hegseth said in his speech about "warrior ethos." "Likewise, it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals in the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world." On October 13, Israeli hostages were released from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. RAMAT GAN, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 13: Gaza hostage Ziv Berman celebrates from a helicopter as he arrives at Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer on October 13, 2025 in Ramat Gan, Israel. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has brought an end to the two years of war that followed the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. A condition of the deal was the immediate return of 48 hostages held in Gaza, around 20 of whom were believed to be alive. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images Ziv Berman was released after being held hostage for 737 days in Gaza. He was photographed raising his fist in the air while riding a helicopter to Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel. On October 19, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole pieces of jewelry that belonged to Napoleon and Empress Eugénie. PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 19: A French Forensics Officer examines the cut window and balcony of a gallery at the Louvre Museum which was the scene of a robbery at the world famous museum earlier in the day on October 19, 2025 in Paris, France. France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, announced the closure of the world-famous art museum on X due to the robbery taking place just after the Louvre opened to the public. It is being reported that millions of pound with of historic jewellery belonging to Napoleon and Empress Josephine has been stolen. Kiran Ridley/Getty Images The thieves broke into the Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon using a lift and an angle grinder before escaping on motorized scooters. Four people have been charged in connection with the robbery. On October 23, Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for his 90,000-square-foot ballroom. WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on October 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a multimillion-dollar ballroom on the eastern side of the White House. Eric Lee/Getty Images The ballroom is expected to cost an estimated $300 million. It's one of many changes Trump has made to the White House in his second non-consecutive term. Read the original article on Business Insider

The USS Gerald R. Ford. — NORFOLK, VIRGINIA - JUNE 24: U.S. Navy sailors stand along the deck as they prepare for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to depart from the Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft carrier is leaving on its scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The deployment comes during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Getty Images highlighted the 100 most powerful news photos taken by its photographers in 2025.
The photos captured political unrest, natural disasters, travel nightmares, and major news events.
Donald Trump's presidency and administration also featured heavily in the collection.

Sandy Ciric, senior director of news photography at Getty Images, told Business Insider that the 2025 news cycle was "unrelenting."

"From the first days of the new year when devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, every week brought a barrage of breaking stories — including the death of a US president, a newly elected Pope, tariff wars, terror attacks, migration, starvation, hostages, plane crashes, floods, heat waves and in addition to all that, political turmoil and upheaval from the US to Nepal and beyond," Ciric said.

As the year comes to a close, the team at Getty Images curated 100 of the most powerful news photos of the year taken by its photojournalists around the world, highlighting the defining moments of 2025.

"Through it all, Getty Images photojournalists faithfully covered all of these stories and indelible moments with expertise, empathy, and creativity," Ciric said.

Here are 30 images from the collection of the best news photos of the year.

On January 8, the casket of former President Jimmy Carter lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda the day before his funeral.

Jimmy Carter lies in state at the Capitol Rotunda. — WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 8: The flag-draped casket of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 8, 2025 in Washington, DC. Carter's body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington on January 9. Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Carter died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. He served as president from 1977 to 1981.

An aerial photo taken on January 15 showed beachfront homes in Malibu, California, destroyed by the Palisades Fire.

An aerial view of homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire. — MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: In an aerial view, repair vehicles pass near burnt down beachfront homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire January 15, 2025 in Malibu, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County, with at least 25 dead, more than 12,000 structures destroyed or damaged, and 40,000 acres burned. More than 88,000 people remain under evacuation orders as high winds are forecast.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Multiple wildfires across Los Angeles County, propelled by high winds, caused widespread damage in January.

Firefighters worked to contain the Hughes Fire on January 22 in Castaic, California.

Firefighters in California. — CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Firefighters work as the Hughes Fire burns on January 22, 2025 in Castaic, California. The wildfire has spread 9,400 acres and has prompted mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The California wildfires burned over 40,000 acres and killed at least 29 people.

On January 30, an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

Wreckage of an airplane crash over the Potomac River in Washington, DC. — ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content) Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

All 67 people on board both aircraft died in the crash, which occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

A worker removed signage on the headquarters of the US Agency for International Development on February 7 after it was shut down by the Department of Government Efficiency.

A worker removes the signage for US AID. — WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 07: A worker removes the U.S. Agency for International Development sign on their headquarters on February 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) abruptly shutdown the U.S. aid agency earlier this week leaving thousands unemployed and putting U.S. foreign diplomacy and aid programs in limbo.
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency targeted numerous federal agencies with layoffs and cuts to decrease government spending.

Elon Musk and his son, X, joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump in the Oval Office. — WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump (R), and his son X Musk, speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is to sign an executive order implementing the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) "workforce optimization initiative," which, according to Trump, will encourage agencies to limit hiring and reduce the size of the federal government.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Musk and his son watched as Trump signed an executive order to implement DOGE's "Workforce Optimization Initiative."

Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a heated exchange during a White House meeting on February 28.

Donald Trump appears to scold Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. — WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to negotiate a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine's mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine's economy.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Zelenskyy left the White House after the Oval Office shouting match without signing a proposed minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine.

As Trump arrived for his speech to a joint session of Congress on March 4, Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury held a sign reading "This is not normal."

Rep. Melanie Stansbury holds a sign reading "This is not normal" at Trump's joint address to Congress. — WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for his speech to a joint session of Congress as Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) holds a sign reading "This is not normal" at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Other Democratic lawmakers held up signs reading "False," "Musk steals," "Protect veterans," and "Save Medicaid," as Trump outlined his policy agenda.

On March 31, SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 Fram2 Mission from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

A SpaceX launch. — TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA - MARCH 31: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 Fram2 Mission, from Launch Complex 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center on March 31, 2025 in Titusville, Florida. The Fram2, carrying four space tourist astronauts on a low orbit flight, will be the first polar-orbit human spaceflight mission to explore Earth. It will launch into a 90° circular orbit to the south from Florida, making it the first human spaceflight to fly over Earth's polar regions from low-Earth orbit.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images

The mission carried four space tourists in a low-orbit flight.

An airline employee at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey was photographed looking fatigued amid delays and cancellations on May 6.

A tired-looking employee at a United Airlines check-in area at Newark Airport. — NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 6: An employee stands at the United Airlines check-in area at Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airpor on May 6, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Passengers traveling to, from, or through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have experienced several days of delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control staffing shortages and equipment malfunctions.
Andres Kudacki/Getty Images

Newark Airport experienced days of snarled travel due to air traffic control staffing shortages and radar outages.

After the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy in Vatican City on May 11.

Pope Leo XIV waves from the Vatican. — VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 11: Pope Leone XIV leads the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter's Square on May 11, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) was elected to the papacy on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, is the first US-born pope in history.

A woman was photographed in the ruins of her home on May 18, the day after a tornado hit in London, Kentucky.

A woman stands in the debris of her house in Kentucky. — LONDON, KENTUCKY - MAY 18: Lesly Karen Cornett stands among the debris of her house on May 18, 2025 in the community of Sunshine Hills outside of London, Kentucky. She and her husband took shelter in their bathtub and were fortunate to only receive a few cuts. A tornado struck the neighborhood of Sunshine Hills just after midnight on May 17, 2025 in London, Kentucky.
Michael Swensen/Getty Images

At least 25 people died as a result of the storm, CNN reported.

Protesters in Paramount, California, clashed with US Border Patrol officers on June 7 amid immigration raids.

Protesters and police officers clash in protests in California. — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 7: A firework sent by protesters explodes near by the Los Angeles Sheriff Department officers during immigration protest on June 7, 2025 in Paramount, California. Clashes between the U.S. Border Patrol and protestors began after a Home Depot was raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Around 30 agents wearing tactical gear were stationed near a Home Depot in Paramount and faced off against protesters, south of downtown Los Angeles.
Apu Gomes/Getty Images

Protests broke out following immigration raids across Southern California conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard members to the Los Angeles area to quell protests, circumventing California Gov. Gavin Newsom's authority.

On June 14, the US Army celebrated its 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington, DC.

Trump's military parade in Washington, DC. — WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Members of the U.S. Army drive Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the 250th birthday parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The military parade, which coincided with Trump's 79th birthday, featured 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and about 6,600 troops.

The USS Gerald R. Ford deployed to Europe on June 24 amid conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world's largest aircraft carrier.

A woman was photographed pouring water over her head in Berlin during a record-high heat wave on July 2.

A girl pours water on her head on a hot day in Germany. — BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 02: A girl pours water on her head as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius during a sweltering summer's day on July 02, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Weather forecasters are predicting record high temperatures for early July today and tomorrow as a heat wave sweeps the country.
Maryam Majd/Getty Images

Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

On July 6, a girl stood in her aunt's home in Center Point, Texas, after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to overflow.

A flooded home in Texas. — CENTER POINT, TEXAS - JULY 06: Ayzlin Garcia stands in her aunt Audrey's home after it was flooded on July 06, 2025 in Center Point, Texas. "We've lost pretty much everything in our house, but we're blessed because we still have our lives, there are people who didn't make it," said her uncle Nathan. Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, leaving more than 70 people reported dead.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

At least 78 people died in central Texas, including 11 people at the Christian girls' summer camp Camp Mystic, when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes and caused severe flooding.

Ukrainian troops conducted a medical evacuation with an armored infantry fighting vehicle on the border between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine on July 21.

A soldier is rescued with an IFV in Ukraine. — DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE - JULY 21: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image taken with an infrared camera) A soldier is rescued from an infantry position using an armored infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) during a medical evacuation conducted by the 505th Separate Marine Battalion on the border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions on July 21, 2025 in Donetsk Region, Ukraine.
Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

The photo of the 505th Separate Marine Battalion was taken with an infrared camera.

On July 24, members of ICE dragged a man away after his immigration court hearing in New York City.

ICE drags a man away at immigration court. — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Federal agents, including members of ICE, drag a man away after his court hearing as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on July 24, 2025 in New York City. In a news conference on Monday, Border czar Tom Homan said he is going to "flood" sanctuary cities, including New York City, with ICE agents.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

In an interview with Fox News, border czar Tom Homan said that ICE planned to "flood the zone" in sanctuary cities such as New York City amid Trump's immigration crackdown.

The Royal Jordanian Air Force performed an air drop of humanitarian aid over Gaza on August 6, providing a sweeping view of the devastation.

An aerial view of Gaza. — GAZA - AUGUST 6: A view from the air as Jordanian air force personnel in a Jordanian C-130 military aircraft perform an air drop of aid and humanitarian supplies on August 6, 2025 in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Royal Jordanian Air Force carried out air drops of food and other aid over Gaza, alongside aircraft from other nations carrying 54 tons of humanitarian supplies. Airdrops of aid have resumed in recent weeks in an attempt to alleviate the severe lack of food and other essentials reaching people in Gaza, where the World Food Programme (WFP) has said over half a million people are enduring famine-like conditions, as Israel continues to restrict the flow of aid.
Salah Malkawi/Getty Images

An assessment by the United Nations conducted in October found that 81% of all structures in Gaza were damaged in Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.

Zohran Mamdani was photographed at a press conference on August 7, a few months before his election as the next mayor of New York City.

Zohran Mamdani, who served as a member of the New York State Assembly, defeated former New York City Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral election in November.

Trump and Putin met in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the war in Ukraine.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Purin meet in Alaska. — ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - AUGUST 15: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Trump gave Putin a ride in the presidential limousine known as "The Beast."

A fishing boat was photographed on August 13 in Kochi, India, amid the Trump administration's 50% tariff on products from the country.

A fishing boat in India. — KOCHI, INDIA - AUGUST 13: A smaller boat that stores fish halts in stormy weather on August 13, 2025 in Kochi, India. Kerala's fishermen are facing a severe fish scarcity, impacting their livelihoods and leading to empty stalls in local and export markets. U.S. president, Donald Trump, has issued an order mandating a 50 percent tariff on products from India. The US is the largest importer of Indian seafood but it is estimated that the tariff hike will drop the export of shrimp from India by at least 30 percent. Frozen shrimp is the primary seafood export to the US. India has to pay Asia's largest trade tariff on oil imports from Russia.
Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

India is one of the top suppliers of frozen shrimp to the US, where 80% of seafood is imported. The Trump administration's 50% tariffs on imports from India are expected to raise seafood prices.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth joined Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of several executive orders on August 25.

Pete Hegseth stands behind Donald Trump. — WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 25: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens to President Donald Trump talk to journalists after signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Furthering his federal takeover of the capital city's law enforcement, Trump signed orders ending cashless bail in the District of Columbia, mandating prosecution for people who desecrate the American flag -- including by burning it -- and other orders.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump signed executive orders to end cashless bail in Washington, DC, and criminalize burning the American flag despite a 1989 Supreme Court decision that protects flag burning under the First Amendment.

A billboard in Orem, Utah, displayed on September 13 commemorated Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10.

A billboard commemorating Charlie Kirk. — OREM, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 13: A billboard commemorates political activist Charlie Kirk on September 13, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday while he was speaking at an event for his "American Comeback Tour" on the campus.
Chet Strange/Getty Images

Kirk, a right-wing political activist who cofounded Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour."

Anti-corruption protests left burned debris in place of what was once the Department of Roads building in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 15.

A burned building in Nepal. — KATHMANDU, NEPAL - SEPTEMBER 15: Workers take out remains from the debris of a burnt out building of Department of Roads of Nepal which was burnt during last Monday's anti-corruption protests on September 15, 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal has been rocked by massive youth-led protests in September 2025, triggered by anger over government corruption, nepotism, and the banning of popular social media platforms.
Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images

The protests in Nepal opposing government corruption, nepotism, and social media bans were largely led by members of Gen Z.

Senior military leaders were summoned to Washington, DC, on September 30 for a speech by Hegseth in which he berated "fat troops" and "woke" policies.

Senior military leaders listen to Pete Hegseth speak. — QUANTICO, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Senior military leaders listen as U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Virginia. In an unprecedented gathering, almost 800 generals, admirals and their senior enlisted leaders have been ordered into one location from around the world on short notice.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

"It's tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops," Hegseth said in his speech about "warrior ethos." "Likewise, it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals in the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world."

On October 13, Israeli hostages were released from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Freed hostage Ziv Berman celebrates from a helicopter. — RAMAT GAN, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 13: Gaza hostage Ziv Berman celebrates from a helicopter as he arrives at Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer on October 13, 2025 in Ramat Gan, Israel. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has brought an end to the two years of war that followed the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. A condition of the deal was the immediate return of 48 hostages held in Gaza, around 20 of whom were believed to be alive.
Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Ziv Berman was released after being held hostage for 737 days in Gaza. He was photographed raising his fist in the air while riding a helicopter to Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel.

On October 19, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole pieces of jewelry that belonged to Napoleon and Empress Eugénie.

A French forensics officer works at the Louvre. — PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 19: A French Forensics Officer examines the cut window and balcony of a gallery at the Louvre Museum which was the scene of a robbery at the world famous museum earlier in the day on October 19, 2025 in Paris, France. France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, announced the closure of the world-famous art museum on X due to the robbery taking place just after the Louvre opened to the public. It is being reported that millions of pound with of historic jewellery belonging to Napoleon and Empress Josephine has been stolen.
Kiran Ridley/Getty Images

The thieves broke into the Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon using a lift and an angle grinder before escaping on motorized scooters. Four people have been charged in connection with the robbery.

On October 23, Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for his 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

The demolished East Wing of the White House. — WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on October 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a multimillion-dollar ballroom on the eastern side of the White House.
Eric Lee/Getty Images

The ballroom is expected to cost an estimated $300 million. It's one of many changes Trump has made to the White House in his second non-consecutive term.

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