2024: A Year of Political Shifts, Global Turmoil, and Uncertainty

The year 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has been filled with moments that have shaken the foundations of politics, society, and international relations. As we prepare for 2025, the anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States encapsulates a year of seismic change. Let’s reflect on the seven most impactful stories of 2024 and their implications for the year ahead.

1. The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Donald Trump’s stunning victory in the 2024 presidential election marked one of the most polarizing moments in modern American history. Defying pollsters and pundits, Trump secured a decisive win against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, reclaiming the Oval Office after a tumultuous campaign. 

“I’ll be fighting for you, and with every breath in my body,” Trump told supporters during his victory speech at Palm Beach County Convention Center.

“I will not rest until we deliver the strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve.”

The former president refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges, and survived two assassination attempts – but none of that stopped him from winning. 

Not only did Trump win the election, but he also won Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, along with every battleground state, states that all went for Trump in 2016 before flipping to President Joe Biden in 2020.

2. Assassination Attempts and Legal Challenges

During Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, there were two notable assassinations that made headlines. 

On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking. One bullet grazed Trump’s right ear, causing a minor injury. Tragically, one attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured. 

A few months later, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, Secret Service agents thwarted another assassination attempt. An agent noticed a rifle barrel protruding from the bushes and opened fire in that direction, prompting the suspect to flee.

Meanwhile, Trump’s legal troubles continued. He was convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments during the 2016 election campaign, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. 

Trump faced the unprecedented challenge of campaigning while appealing his sentence. Yet, his ability to galvanize his base despite these hurdles shows his enduring influence.

As he assumes the presidency in 2025, the legal landscape remains complex. While some cases have been dismissed or are under appeal, others continue to progress.

3. Biden Bows Out, Harris Steps In

President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race due to concerns over his ability to beat Donald Trump marked a turning point for the Democratic Party. His announcement paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee. 

Despite a spirited and aggressive campaign, Harris struggled to overcome waning enthusiasm among key voter blocs and steering away from Biden’s mixed approval ratings.  

The Democrats now face an existential question: how to rebuild their coalition in the shadow of a resurgent Trump presidency.

4. The Escalation of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Israel-Palestine conflict reached new heights in 2024, with Gaza continuing to endure some of the deadliest airstrikes in decades. The violence spilled over into neighboring Lebanon, where Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah militants. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless families, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations.

In the U.S., the crisis sparked waves of campus protests, with students demanding an end to American military aid to Israel. 

“The violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza by all parties to this conflict are unacceptable. Accountability for any international crimes that have been committed by any party is essential,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said. 

5. Bashar al-Assad Ousted in Syria

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebel forces in late 2024. Assad fled the capital and sought refuge in Russia, effectively ending his family’s decades-long rule over Syria.

The coup ended over two decades of authoritarian rule but left the nation grappling with uncertainty. Factions within Syria are vying for power, raising fears of prolonged instability and the resurgence of extremist groups.

The potential return of large numbers of refugees could overwhelm the country’s fragile infrastructure and resources. 

The international community faces the daunting task of aiding Syria’s transition while preventing a broader regional crisis. 

6. The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Assassination

In a shocking event on December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. The assailant, identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was apprehended in Pennsylvania and extradited to New York, where he faces federal charges, including murder using a firearm, stalking, and firearms violations. These charges carry the potential for the death penalty. 

Public reactions have been mixed, with some expressing outrage over the violence, while others voicing frustration with the healthcare industry and others even defending Mangione. As the legal proceedings against Mangione unfold, the society at large is left to grapple with the implications of this unprecedented act of violence.

7. Hunter Biden’s Presidential Pardon

In one of his final acts as president, Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for charges related to tax evasion and foreign business dealings. The move has sparked outrage among Republicans, who accuse Biden of abusing his executive authority.

In his official statement, President Biden expressed his belief that his son had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” attributing the legal challenges to political pressure. He concluded by stating, “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”

Senator Bernie Sanders described the action as setting a “dangerous precedent,” raising concerns about the potential for future presidential pardons to be influenced by personal relationships rather than justice.

The decision has sparked a broader debate about the use of presidential clemency powers and the potential for abuse in future administrations.

Expectations for 2025

As Donald Trump prepares to assume office, the nation faces an uncertain future. Supporters anticipate a return to conservative policies, while critics fear erosion of democratic norms and increased polarization. The international stage is equally fraught, with conflicts in the Middle East and the power vacuum in Syria requiring urgent attention.

The challenges ahead are immense, but so are the opportunities for meaningful change.