As the United States closes the chapter on 2024, it’s clear that the year was shaped by political turbulence and transformative shifts in governance. From a fiercely contested presidential election to landmark legislative achievements and pivotal Supreme Court decisions, the nation’s political landscape experienced dramatic changes and challenges.
These events, highlighted in the 2024 Year in Review in the US, underscore a year of shifting power, resilience, and a renewed focus on addressing pressing national and global issues. The political narrative of 2024 not only reshaped policies but also set the tone for the future of American governance.
Political Highlights: A Year of Shifting Power and Resilience
Donald Trump’s Resurgence and TIME Person of the Year
In 2024, Donald Trump cemented his political legacy with a remarkable resurgence, culminating in being named TIME Person of the Year. This recognition underscored his profound influence on American politics, as he continued to galvanize the Republican Party and dominate the national discourse. Trump’s rallies drew massive crowds, reflecting his enduring popularity among the GOP base and his ability to command attention on key issues like immigration, economic policy, and foreign affairs. His speeches were a mix of policy statements and sharp critiques of political opponents, energizing supporters while sparking intense debates across the political spectrum.
Amid his resurgence, Trump faced a shocking assassination attempt during a public rally in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident, which occurred in June, sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the extreme polarization and heightened tensions in American politics. Trump escaped unharmed thanks to swift action by the Secret Service, but the event deepened his supporters’ loyalty and intensified debates about political violence in the United States. The assassination attempt became a pivotal moment, prompting both parties to condemn the act while sparring over the causes of the volatile political climate.
Despite ongoing legal challenges and the assassination attempt, Trump’s influence remained undiminished. His legal battles and the near-tragic incident only seemed to rally his base further, who viewed these events as proof of his embattled yet resilient leadership. His impact extended beyond grassroots movements, shaping the Republican Party’s platform and midterm election strategies. As he continued to set the tone for GOP priorities, Trump’s recognition as TIME Person of the Year symbolized not just his personal comeback but also the polarized state of American politics, solidifying his place as one of the most consequential figures in modern U.S. history.
President Biden Passes the Torch: Kamala Harris Takes the Lead
President Joe Biden made headlines when he announced that he would not seek re-election, choosing instead to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee. This bold and unprecedented decision became one of the most significant turning points in the 2024 presidential race. Harris’s historic candidacy as the first Black and Asian American woman to lead a major party’s ticket marked a transformative moment in U.S. politics, symbolizing generational and cultural change. Biden’s move was widely seen as prioritizing party unity and progress, underscoring a forward-looking vision for Democratic leadership.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Despite the energy surrounding her campaign, Harris faced a tough battle against Republican rival Donald Trump, who galvanized his base with a populist message and promises of economic recovery. Ultimately, Trump emerged victorious, winning the presidency for a second term in a closely contested election. Harris’s campaign highlighted issues like climate change, healthcare reform, and economic equity, but the results underscored the nation’s deep divisions and the enduring appeal of Trump’s platform to key voter blocs across swing states.
Harris’s candidacy nonetheless marked a pivotal moment in American political history, symbolizing a shift toward greater diversity in leadership and reshaping the trajectory of the Democratic Party. Her historic run left a legacy that will influence the party’s strategies moving forward, even as the 2024 election reaffirmed the polarization and challenges facing American democracy. As the Brookings Institution analysis highlighted, the transition from Biden to Harris not only altered the Democratic trajectory but also set the stage for a dynamic and fiercely contested election year.
Hunter Biden’s Conviction and Presidential Pardon
Hunter Biden’s conviction on charges of tax evasion and falsifying information on a firearm purchase became one of the most polarizing events of 2024, igniting fierce national debate. The court found that Hunter had failed to report significant income from his foreign business dealings, further fueling long-standing allegations of impropriety. For some, the verdict symbolized accountability; for others, it raised questions about the motives and fairness of the investigation, with critics suggesting it was politically charged.
The situation escalated dramatically when President Joe Biden issued a presidential pardon for his son just weeks after the conviction. In his official statement, the president described the pardon as a deeply personal act of compassion for a family member who had endured extraordinary public scrutiny. Biden emphasized that the decision was made to shield his son from what he called a “relentless barrage of politically motivated attacks.” However, the pardon drew sharp criticism, with opponents arguing it blurred the lines between personal loyalty and public duty. Some accused Biden of undermining the integrity of the justice system, while supporters framed it as a human and empathetic response to a uniquely personal crisis.
This extraordinary series of events became a flashpoint for political and ethical debates, highlighting the tension between public office and private life. For many, it raised difficult questions about the role of presidential power and accountability in governance. The pardon left Americans deeply divided, with some viewing it as an act of compassion and others as a compromise of principles. It was a moment that captured the complexities of leadership in a polarized era, cementing its place as one of the defining controversies of 2024.
The Supreme Court’s 2024 Legacy in America’s Law and Policy
The Supreme Court delivered decisions that went straight to the core of some of America’s most contentious debates, reshaping conversations on democracy, equality, and constitutional rights. One of the most significant decisions came in Harper v. Moore, where the justices firmly rejected the “independent state legislature theory.” This case, which challenged whether state legislatures alone could set election rules without oversight from state courts, reaffirmed the courts’ authority to ensure fair and balanced electoral processes. By rejecting this controversial theory, the ruling preserved critical checks and balances. For many, it was a vital affirmation of democratic safeguards, particularly amid heightened concerns about voting rights and election integrity.
Another headline-making decision tackled affirmative action in college admissions. The Court ruled to limit the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions, forcing universities to rethink how they cultivate diverse student bodies. Advocates for the decision argued it was a move toward fairness, ensuring that merit—not racial considerations—was prioritized in the admissions process. Critics, however, warned that it would reverse decades of progress in creating inclusive campuses. Universities are now grappling with the challenge of maintaining diversity within the boundaries of the ruling, as highlighted in TIME’s analysis, setting the stage for ongoing debates about fairness and opportunity in higher education.
Gun control emerged as another flashpoint for the Court. The justices struck down a federal assault weapons ban, citing constitutional concerns. This decision further polarized the nation, with supporters hailing it as a triumph for personal freedoms and constitutional carry rights. Opponents, however, warned of its implications for public safety, particularly in light of rising gun violence. The ruling became a rallying point for both Second Amendment advocates and gun control activists, intensifying debates during an already polarized election year. Additionally, legislative efforts to address firearm regulation, such as S.481, the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act, have taken on new urgency in the wake of this ruling.
The Court’s support for the Voting Rights Restoration Act was another landmark moment on voting rights. The Act aimed to combat gerrymandering and strengthen protections against voter suppression, addressing long-standing concerns about fairness in elections. While many celebrated the legislation as necessary to ensure equal access to the ballot box, critics raised concerns about federal overreach into state election processes. The decision reinforced the Court’s role in navigating the evolving balance between federal authority and state sovereignty.
The Supreme Court’s rulings in 2024 didn’t just settle legal questions, they reshaped the national conversation. Each decision influenced policy, voter priorities, and the political narrative of the year, underscoring the Court’s role as a driving force in addressing America’s most pressing debates.
Climate Legislation Gains Traction Amid National Crises
This year, the devastating impact of climate change became impossible to ignore. Wildfires tore through the West, unprecedented flooding swept the South, and a catastrophic hurricane devastated parts of the East Coast. These events displaced families, strained emergency resources, and inflicted billions in damages, forcing Americans to confront the growing urgency of the climate crisis. Communities across the country, feeling the personal toll of these disasters, joined activists and experts in calling for meaningful action to mitigate climate-related risks.
In response, Congress passed the landmark Green Future Act, a sweeping bipartisan effort aimed at accelerating the nation’s transition to renewable energy and bolstering disaster resilience. The legislation allocated billions of dollars to clean energy projects, the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, and advancements in carbon capture technologies. Just as importantly, it emphasized disaster preparedness by investing in programs designed to strengthen vulnerable communities against the increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters. This comprehensive approach underscored a growing consensus among lawmakers that addressing the climate crisis was no longer an ideological debate but a pressing necessity.
The Supreme Court also influenced the climate conversation with its interpretation of the Clean Water Act, one of the country’s cornerstone environmental laws. In a key decision, the Court narrowed federal jurisdiction over wetlands, transferring more regulatory authority to states. While proponents argued this ruling provided clarity and reduced regulatory overreach, environmental advocates warned of significant risks to ecosystems and water quality. The decision highlighted the delicate balance between federal and state roles in addressing environmental challenges, underscoring the need for robust state-level policies to complement federal initiatives.
Together, these legislative and judicial actions reflect the growing urgency to address climate change at every level of government. The Green Future Act and the evolving interpretation of the Clean Water Act demonstrate the complexity of crafting effective climate policy, balancing environmental protection with economic and political realities. These developments signal a critical shift toward prioritizing sustainability and resilience in the face of escalating climate threats.
The Surge of Gen Z Representation in Congress
Maxwell Frost paved the way for a new generation of lawmakers, and by 2024, Gen Z representation in Congress had surged, marking a groundbreaking shift in American politics. These young leaders, many in their mid-to-late 20s, brought fresh perspectives and an urgency to tackle issues that resonate deeply with their generation.
12 years ago, The Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence was my call to action to join the fight to end gun violence.
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) December 13, 2024
And today our movement is strong as we keep fighting to ensure the next generation isn’t defined by mass shootings. We are entitled to life, to… pic.twitter.com/QBab0Fnu2L
From climate change to student debt and digital privacy, their campaigns addressed the priorities of a younger electorate increasingly disillusioned with traditional political approaches. For many voters, these candidates symbolized a long-overdue demand for bold solutions and authentic representation in Washington.
Climate policy quickly emerged as a defining focus for these lawmakers. Gen Z representatives championed efforts to expand renewable energy investments, enforce stricter emissions regulations, and promote climate justice. They sought to address the disproportionate impact of environmental disasters on low-income and marginalized communities. By aligning their policies with grassroots movements, these politicians bridged the gap between activism and policymaking, reinvigorating the national conversation around sustainability and equity in climate action.
Beyond climate change, Gen Z lawmakers took the lead on reducing student debt and regulating big tech. They advocated for expanded loan forgiveness programs and affordable education initiatives, underscoring the financial struggles that burden many young Americans. On the tech front, they introduced comprehensive data protection laws and demanded greater accountability from tech giants, highlighting the need to safeguard digital privacy. Their growing presence in Congress not only shifted legislative priorities but also redefined leadership in a rapidly changing political landscape, signaling a generational shift toward progressive and action-oriented governance.
A New Era for Immigration as U.S. Reforms Resonate Worldwide
The United States marked a historic milestone with the passage of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, a transformative piece of legislation designed to address the nation’s most pressing immigration challenges. Building on earlier frameworks, such as the 2007 proposal, this bipartisan effort focused on modernizing border security, creating clearer pathways to citizenship, and addressing critical labor shortages. By integrating advanced technology for border monitoring and a streamlined biometric system for identity verification, the Act underscored the importance of balancing security with opportunity. It was a rare and much-needed display of political cooperation in an increasingly divided landscape, marking a pivotal shift in immigration policy.
This reform wasn’t just a domestic issue as it resonated far beyond U.S. borders. Nations such as Canada, Germany, the UK, and France have been navigating similar challenges, including labor shortages, integration struggles, and questions about border management. The U.S. legislation provided a potential blueprint for these countries, offering insights into balancing humanitarian concerns with national security. By addressing undocumented populations while bolstering economic contributions through immigrant labor, the American reforms sparked a global conversation about the future of immigration in a rapidly interconnected world.
At its core, the legislation represented a delicate balancing act. Enhanced border protections were paired with expanded pathways for legal status, offering relief to millions of undocumented individuals who had lived in limbo for decades. This dual approach reflected broader international debates about how to ensure national security while recognizing the cultural and economic value of immigrant communities. The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act not only addressed immediate concerns but also reinforced the importance of innovative, forward-thinking policies to navigate the complexities of immigration in a dynamic global landscape.
As we step into 2025, the reflections of 2024 offer both lessons and inspiration for the road ahead. The past year was marked by profound change, bold decisions, and a collective reckoning with challenges that defined the nation’s trajectory. Yet, alongside these trials came the resilience and determination to move forward—through transformative legislation, historic leadership shifts, and a new generation rising to shape the future.
The new year presents an opportunity to build on these foundations. With fresh leadership, renewed
commitments to pressing issues like climate change and social equity, and a public more engaged than ever, 2025 holds the promise of progress and innovation. It is a chance to turn aspirations into action, ensuring that the efforts of 2024 lead to tangible outcomes that benefit all Americans. Let this year be a testament to what can be achieved when unity, creativity, and perseverance guide the way forward.
References:
- TIME. Donald Trump Named TIME Person of the Year 2024.
- Brookings Institution. How Has the Switch from Biden to Harris Changed the Presidential Race?.
- White House. Statement from President Joe Biden.
- Congress.gov. Green Future Act of 2024.
- Environmental Protection Agency. Summary of the Clean Water Act.
- TIME. Beyond Admissions: Colleges Respond to the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Race.
- Britannica. Constitutional Carry of Guns Debate.
- Congress.gov. Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2023.
- New York Times. Maxwell Frost, Gen Z, and a New Era in Congress.
- Congress.gov. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007.
- 2024 Year in Review in the US: Political Power Plays and Turning Points - January 2, 2025