How The Guardian Reported 2025: A Year Dominated by Trump and Shifts in UK Politics
In a reflective episode of Today in Focus, Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian, reviewed the key news stories of 2025. The year was largely defined by Donald Trump's return to the White House in January, which led to significant political and social upheavals in the United States. Developments included the deployment of the National Guard on American streets, the public humiliation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, and a concerning erosion of the established rules governing peace and conflict.
Meanwhile, the UK faced its own political challenges. The Labour government was criticized for failing to effectively communicate its narrative and missed vital chances to counter the rising influence of the Reform party and the far right. Viner highlighted the importance of timing in politics, noting that the government's silence during the summer resulted in lost opportunities. Despite these setbacks, there were hopeful moments, such as growing support for left-wing figures Zohran Mamdani and Zack Polanski.
The Guardian also achieved significant legal victories defending its reporting, marking a landmark ruling for #MeToo journalism.
This episode marked the end of The Guardian's 2025 coverage, with new episodes scheduled to return on 5 January 2026. Topics referenced included Gaza, Ukraine, Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, and Labour.
