As the dust settles on a year riddled with political upheaval, 2024 will be remembered for its dramatic twists, groundbreaking decisions, and the reshaping of political landscapes both in the U.S. and abroad.
Here, we delve into the ten biggest political stories that dominated headlines, influenced policy, and captivated the public’s attention.
- U.S. Presidential Election: The 2024 election saw Donald Trump securing a second non-consecutive term as President, defeating Kamala Harris who became the Democratic nominee after Joe Biden’s withdrawal. This election was marked by intense scrutiny over misinformation, debates, and legal challenges related to Trump’s previous term and ongoing legal battles.
- Disinformation and Election Narratives: Disinformation played a pivotal role in shaping public perception during the election year, with false narratives influencing voter opinions on various issues, including the economy and candidate performances. This was seen as a significant factor in how the election unfolded.
- Trump’s Legal Challenges: Trump faced multiple trials in 2024, including civil and criminal cases, which were focal points for media coverage, particularly with two assassination attempts against him. These events kept Trump’s legal situation in the public eye throughout the year.
- Israel-Hamas Conflict: The ongoing war continued to dominate headlines, with protests on U.S. college campuses and significant policy implications for international relations and domestic politics, especially concerning U.S. support for Israel.
- Abortion Policy Developments: Post-Roe v. Wade, the landscape of abortion policy continued to evolve in 2024, with various states implementing or challenging new laws, affecting national political discourse and voter behavior.
- Potential TikTok Ban: Legislation aimed at potentially banning TikTok in the U.S. stirred debates on national security, free speech, and the influence of foreign tech companies in American politics. This issue highlighted tensions between privacy, security, and digital rights.
- Ukraine-Russia War and U.S. Involvement: The conflict’s continuation into 2024, coupled with U.S. aid packages and policy debates, kept international relations at the forefront of U.S. political discussions, influencing both domestic and foreign policy.
- Biden Corruption: Allegations and investigations into corruption involving President Joe Biden and his family, particularly focusing on foreign business dealings and influence peddling, were significant topics. These allegations, whether substantiated or not, influenced public and political discourse, affecting Biden’s political standing and the Democratic Party’s strategy.
- AI Regulation: With advancements in AI, the U.S. signed a historic treaty on AI use with several countries, indicating a shift towards global policy on technology governance and its implications for national security and privacy.
- Economic Policies and Tax Reforms: Governor Jeff Landry’s tax package in Louisiana, aiming for a flat tax rate alongside an increase in sales tax, was part of a broader conversation about economic policy, tax fairness, and state governance, reflecting national trends in fiscal policy debates.
These stories not only captured the attention of the public but also influenced policy-making at various levels, from local to international.