Here’s a look back at the year that was…
January
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts, as Melania Trump holds the Bible, at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2025. / Credit: MORRY GASH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, becoming just the second person ever elected to non-consecutive terms.
Trump takes power in Washington, declaring “America’s decline is over”Special coverage: Trump Inauguration 2025February
The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, and denying them a third consecutive title.
Jalen Hurts named Super Bowl LIX MVP after Philadelphia Eagles roll past Kansas City ChiefsMarch
In this photo released by the Salvadoran government, inmates deported from the U.S. – allegedly linked to criminal organizations – are seen at the Terrorism Confinement Center (also known as CECOT) in Tecoluca, El Salvador, March 16, 2025. / Credit: Salvadoran government via Getty Images
The U.S. government deported nearly 280 migrants to a Salvadoran prison without hearings or trials – relying, in part, on a rarely-used 18th century wartime law. A watchdog report later found that the detainees had been subjected to torture and abuse.
Judge says U.S. trying to do “end-run” around legal protections with deportations to GhanaJudge orders Trump administration to file plan to return Venezuelans sent to El Salvador prison to U.S. or give them hearingsApril
Pope Francis died, setting off a wave of mourning among the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Watch Pope Francis’ full funeral video as world mourns late Vatican leaderHere’s how Pope Francis’ funeral broke with traditionMay
Pope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square on May 11, 2025 in Vatican City. / Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images
May brought the election of his successor, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost. He took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to head the Catholic Church.
Read Pope Leo XIV’s first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s BasilicaJune
A memorial is seen on the desk of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman in the House chambers at the Minnesota State Capitol, June 16, 2025 in St. Paul. Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot at their home on June 14. DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. / Credit: Steven Garcia/Getty Images
Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home in a politically-motivated attack … one in a number of recent acts of political violence.
Vance Boelter, suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings, taken into custodyService dog training organization flooded with donations following fatal shooting of Rep. Melissa HortmanJuly
Search and rescue teams look for the missing along the Guadalupe River on July 7, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. / Credit: Joshua Lott, The Washington Post via Getty Images
Catastrophic floods in Central Texas killed at least 135, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.
Parents of Camp Mystic flood victims testify on camp safety reform in the Texas SenateCamp Mystic sued by victims’ families after deadly Texas floodsAugust
President Trump dispatched National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., a rare domestic deployment of the military that would meet with legal challenges.
Judge permanently blocks Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to PortlandJudge blocks Trump admin from deploying of California National Guard in L.A.Supreme Court says Trump can’t deploy National Guard to Chicago as legal challenge moves forwardSeptember
Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an appearance at the university. / Credit: Trent Nelson, The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images
September saw the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a campus event in Utah. Kirk’s alleged killer has been charged with murder, and has yet to enter a plea.
Charlie Kirk shooting suspect is in custody. Here’s what we know about the investigationWorkers fired, placed on leave for Charlie Kirk comments after assassinationOctober
Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, and days later, Hamas released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages. Since then, the ceasefire has been shaky, with each side accusing the other of violations.
Amid the rubble and ruin of Gaza, a fragile peaceNetanyahu says Hamas must disarm or “all hell breaks loose”Israel launches retaliatory strikes in Gaza after saying Hamas targeted its forces, killing 2 IDF soldiersNovember
Zohran Mamdani celebrates victory as New York City’s next mayor, at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, November 4, 2025. / Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
November brought the end of the longest government shutdown in American history …
How the longest government shutdown in history came to an endThe 2025 U.S. government shutdown, by the numbers
… as well as off-year elections that saw Democrats sweep nearly every competitive race.
Democrats sweep key races in 2025 elections in early referendum on TrumpDemocrats’ 2025 election victories reportedly unnerve RepublicansDecember
In yet another tragic shooting, two terrorist gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, killing 15. In the days after, Australians gathered to honor the fallen.
Australia announces gun buyback plans less than a week after Bondi Beach shootingAustralia announces bravery award for heroes of Bondi Beach terrorist attack
   Â
Story produced by Robert Marston. Editor: Karen Brenner.Â
New poll shows how Americans’ sentiments on Trump changed in 2025
CBS News correspondents share biggest stories of 2025 and what’s ahead for 2026
