‘Charlie Kirk’ tops Google’s 2025 news searches

CM

Celeste Martin

9 December 2025 | 5:42

Google’s annual report shows a year shaped by political upheaval, youth-driven fandoms and tech anticipation and anxiety.

‘Charlie Kirk’ tops Google’s 2025 news searches

Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk debates with CSUN students during his American Comeback tour stop at CSUN in Northridge, California, on 6 March 2025. Picture: Middle East Images via AFP

The assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk generated the biggest global search spike, as millions looked for background information in the hours and days that followed. 

'KPop Demon Hunters', which drew immense attention from younger audiences, is also on the list.

Rounding out the top global trends were the eerie 'Labubu' doll (fuelling waves of parodies and imitations), and the launch buzz around the iPhone 17. 

The American-focused 'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' also featured prominently, underscoring the influence of American politics on international searches.

Google’s top news queries mirrored that pattern: the government shutdown, tariffs, and high-profile protests dominated the year’s information spikes.

Search interest in public figures also surged, with names such as Zohran Mamdani, Tyler Robinson and the newly elected Pope Leo XIV drawing widespread attention.
 
"I mean, it's all that kind of obvious stuff," says Primedia Digital Content Editor Barbara Friedman.

To listen to Friedman in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click below [skip to 3:35]:

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