Google released its list of the top U.S. searches for 2025, reflecting a year shaped by breaking news, politics, technology, and pop culture, with conservative leader Charlie Kirk ranking No. 1 overall.
Search interest surged after the death of Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, making him the most searched individual of the year. The spike outpaced searches tied to major legislation, global events, and entertainment releases.
Kirk was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. Police identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in the slaying and prosecutors have filed a capital murder charge and will seek the death penalty.
Coming in second for searches was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a high-profile piece of legislation supported by President Donald Trump that dominated political discourse, followed by searches related to a government shutdown, which disrupted federal operations and fueled nationwide concern.
Pop culture and consumer trends also featured prominently. Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters landed at No. 4, while Labubu, a viral collectible toy, ranked fifth. Apple's iPhone 17 release took the No. 6 spot, reflecting sustained interest in major tech launches.
Technology and global affairs rounded out the list, with DeepSeek, an emerging AI platform, ranking seventh. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, elected mayor of New York City, placed eighth, followed by the FIFA Club World Cup at No. 9. Searches for tariffs completed the top 10 amid renewed debate over trade and economic policy.
Other notable trending topics throughout the year included the No Kings protest, the election of a new pope, and renewed public interest in the Jeffrey Epstein files, underscoring a year driven by controversy, cultural moments, and political change.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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