In a year profoundly shaped by the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the world has witnessed transformations that seemed almost unthinkable just twelve months prior. The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, has provided a unique perspective on these seismic shifts, detailing the consequences from the deployment of the US National Guard on American streets to significant changes in global diplomatic norms.
A World Reshaped by Trump's Return
Speaking to Annie Kelly for the Today in Focus podcast, Viner outlined the dramatic events that have defined 2025. The year has been overwhelmingly dominated by the actions of Donald Trump since his January inauguration. She pointed to specific incidents, such as the perceived humiliation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to the Oval Office, as emblematic of a new, more volatile international order.
Viner emphasised the erosion of long-standing rules that once governed both peace and war, suggesting a fundamental shift in how global power is exercised. The domestic scene in the United States, marked by the use of military personnel on city streets, further illustrated the profound changes underway under the new administration.
UK Labour's Struggle for Narrative
Turning her focus to the United Kingdom, Viner offered a critical assessment of the Labour government's performance. She described a party failing to effectively communicate its story to the public and, crucially, missing repeated opportunities to confront the rising influence of Reform UK and far-right movements.
"Politics is about timing," Viner stated, referencing the government's notable silence over the summer months. "I think a lot of those opportunities were missed." This failure to seize the political initiative, she suggested, has allowed alternative narratives and parties to gain ground.
Glimmers of Hope and Press Freedom
Despite the challenging landscape, Viner highlighted several reasons for optimism. She pointed to the unexpected success of leftwing figures, such as Zohran Mamdani and Zack Polanski, as signs of resilient progressive energy.
Furthermore, she underscored the Guardian's own decisive legal victories in court, defending its journalism in a case hailed as a landmark ruling for #MeToo reporting. These wins represent a significant stand for press freedom and accountability journalism in a difficult climate.
The reflection comes as the Today in Focus podcast releases its final episode of 2025, with new episodes scheduled to resume on 5 January 2026.
