The Pulse of the Nation: News and Politics

Political discourse and economic policies dominated searches in 2025, with spikes driven by major events and figures. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk topped Google's trending searches list following his tragic assassination in September 2025 at Utah Valley University, sparking nationwide interest in his life, activism, and legacy.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, ranked high among news trends, reflecting public investment in its economic and social implications. Tariffs remained a persistent hot topic, fueled by ongoing global trade discussions, government announcements, and concerns over consumer prices and economic stability.

Other notable news spikes included the prolonged government shutdown and related policy debates.

The Future Unfolds: Tech and AI Innovations

Technology and AI continued to captivate users. Anticipation for Apple's iPhone 17 drove massive searches for rumored features, design changes, and release details.

In AI, Google's Gemini advanced in conversational tools, coding, and multimodal features, while emerging platforms like DeepSeek gained traction as innovative search alternatives, highlighting a competitive and rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Digital Mainstays: Platforms and Commerce

Core platforms held strong: YouTube led for video content, education, and entertainment; Facebook remained relevant for social connections, features, and privacy queries; and Amazon dominated e-commerce with product searches, deals, and reviews.

Cultural Vibrations: Entertainment and Lifestyle

Culture delivered vibrant trends. Netflix's animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters" exploded in popularity, blending K-pop with fantasy action and inspiring fan trends (including viral noodle challenges).

Labubu toys from Pop Mart became a global collectible craze in 2025, with plush figures and blind boxes sparking long lines, resale frenzies, and fashion accessory status among adults and youth.

The rise of Gen Alpha slang showcased how the youngest generation influences language, with searches for new phrases and expressions reflecting cultural shifts.

U.S. Search Trends (2025-2026) at a Glance