The year's most impactful news photos

Getty Images has showcased the 100 most striking news photographs captured by its photographers over the course of 2025. The collection spans scenes of political unrest, natural disasters, travel disruptions, and major global events, with significant coverage of former President Donald Trump's administration.

Sandy Ciric, Getty Images senior director of news photography, described 2025 as an unrelenting year in the news. "From the start of the year with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, each week brought major developments including the death of a U.S. president, a newly elected pope, international trade disputes, terror attacks, migration crises, famine, hostage situations, plane crashes, floods, heat waves, and political upheaval from the U.S. to Nepal," Ciric said.

As the year concluded, Getty Images curated 100 of the most compelling news images, reflecting pivotal moments captured by photojournalists worldwide. "Throughout these events, Getty Images photographers documented every story with skill, empathy, and creativity," Ciric added.

Key Moments of 2025

On January 8, former President Jimmy Carter lay in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda before his funeral, following his passing at age 100 in Plains, Georgia.

Wildfires in California caused extensive damage throughout January. Aerial images showed destroyed Malibu beachfront homes, while firefighters struggled to contain fires near Castaic, resulting in dozens of fatalities and tens of thousands of acres burned.

On January 30, an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft.

In February, the U.S. Agency for International Development headquarters was closed by the Department of Government Efficiency, part of widespread federal cuts. President Trump and Elon Musk participated in implementing the "Workforce Optimization Initiative," aimed at reducing government staff and spending. Later that month, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a heated meeting over a proposed minerals agreement, which ended without a deal.

March saw protests in Congress during Trumps address to lawmakers, while SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 Fram2 mission carrying four space tourists on a polar-orbit flight.

In May, Newark Liberty Airport faced severe delays due to staffing shortages and technical malfunctions. Pope Leo XIV was elected following the death of Pope Francis, becoming the first U.S.-born pope. A deadly tornado struck London, Kentucky, destroying homes and killing dozens.

Immigration protests erupted in Southern California in June after raids by ICE, leading President Trump to deploy National Guard troops. That month, the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary with a large military parade in Washington, D.C., and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier deployed to Europe amid Middle East tensions.

July brought extreme heatwaves in Europe and devastating floods in Texas, claiming dozens of lives. Ukrainian forces conducted medical evacuations using armored vehicles during the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Immigration enforcement continued in New York City with ICE detaining individuals after court hearings.

In August, humanitarian aid was dropped over Gaza by the Royal Jordanian Air Force amid famine conditions. Zohran Mamdani launched his mayoral campaign in New York City, eventually winning the November election. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine conflict, while his administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian seafood, affecting local fishermen. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Trump for executive order signings, including ending cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and criminalizing flag desecration.

September saw the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, widespread anti-corruption protests in Nepal, and a military leadership summit in Virginia where Hegseth criticized woke policies and physical fitness among senior troops.

October included the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza after a ceasefire with Hamas, a high-profile jewelry theft at the Louvre in Paris, and Trump demolishing the White House East Wing to construct a $300 million ballroom.

These 2025 images collectively document a year defined by tragedy, conflict, leadership challenges, and historic events around the globe, reflecting the dedication of photojournalists in capturing moments that shaped the world.

Author: Ava Mitchell