As the year comes to a close in Washington, D.C., let’s look back at some of the big political events that caused debate across the country.
1. Government Shutdown: A Long Standstill
In 2025, the government shut down for 43 days, the longest in U.S. history. Republicans and Democrats couldn’t agree on how to spend money. The debate caused problems for programs that help people buy food and for the paychecks of federal workers.
The main disagreement was over spending. Democrats wanted to keep certain healthcare payments going, but Republicans disagreed. In the end, a few Democrats joined with Republicans to reopen the government without the healthcare payments being extended.
2. Cutting Waste: Trump and Musk Team Up
President Trump created a new government department to cut down on waste and fraud. He asked Elon Musk, the head of Tesla, to help.
This new department says it has saved a lot of money by selling things the government doesn’t need, stopping bad contracts, and cutting back on unnecessary rules. Some of the changes included laying off government workers and reducing foreign aid.
3. Protests Across the Nation
The changes made by Trump and Musk led to protests in many cities. People marched against what they saw as too much power in the President’s hands.
Some protesters even targeted Tesla cars because of Musk’s role in the government. The Attorney General called these attacks acts of “domestic terrorism.”
4. Enforcing Immigration Laws: Deportations Increase
President Trump promised to deport more people who are in the country illegally. This year, the government has been working hard to do that.
While many Republicans support this effort to secure the border, others worry about people being deported by mistake and the way the laws are being enforced.
5. National Guard in Cities: A Crime Crackdown
President Trump sent National Guard troops to cities to help fight crime. This included places like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Some people worry that using the military in this way could make things worse instead of better. Recently, two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., which has increased tensions.
President Trump said he supports the National Guard and all law enforcement officers. He believes they are doing important work for the country.
