Google published its annual breakdown of the most searched topics in the United States for 2025, offering a snapshot of a year dominated by political upheaval, shocking events, technological innovation, and viral cultural moments. Topping the list overall was conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose name generated unprecedented search traffic.
The surge in interest followed Kirk's death, which propelled the founder of Turning Point USA past searches related to sweeping legislation, international crises, and major entertainment releases, making him the most searched individual of the year.
Kirk was assassinated on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, and prosecutors announced plans to pursue the death penalty after filing a capital murder charge.
Legislative and political developments also drove significant online attention. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act ranked second nationwide, becoming a focal point of debate after receiving backing from President Donald Trump. Searches tied to a government shutdown followed closely, reflecting widespread concern as federal operations were disrupted.
Technology and entertainment figured prominently as well. Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters placed fourth on the list, while Labubu, a collectible toy that went viral online, claimed the fifth spot. Apple's iPhone 17 launch ranked sixth, underscoring sustained public interest in major consumer tech releases.
Emerging technologies and global events filled out the remainder of the top 10. DeepSeek, a rising artificial intelligence platform, ranked seventh. Zohran Mamdani, elected mayor of New York City, placed eighth, followed by the FIFA Club World Cup at No. 9. Searches related to tariffs rounded out the top tier amid renewed debate over trade policy and economic direction.
Beyond the top rankings, Google noted strong search interest throughout the year in topics such as the No Kings protest, the election of a new pope, and renewed attention to the Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting a year shaped by controversy, cultural flashpoints, and political change.