The First Week - Fire and Ice
- Kari Thomas
- Jan 8
- 10 min read
As the clock struck 5:36pm EST on December 31 - nature orchestrated a breathtaking ending for 2024. As -at the exact same moment- lightning bolts struck several iconic landmarks along the East Coast - including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the U.S. Capitol. This electrifying spectacle unfolded amid heavy rain and thunderstorms that drenched New Year's Eve revelers. The coincidence of these simultaneous strikes on towering symbols of American resilience sparked a flurry of reactions online, with some interpreting the event as an ominous omen for the year ahead. Regardless of interpretation, this tempestuous farewell to 2024 set a dramatic tone for the dawn of 2025 - reminding all that, in the face of human celebration, nature often has the final word. This electrifying start was merely a prelude to a year destined to deliver its own share of shocks, tragedies, and unexpected turns - and we’re barely out of week one.
January 1, 2024
Day one of 2025 was marred by a series of incredibly violent terrorist events that cast a shadow over the nation's New Year celebrations as more than a dozen people lost their lives.
Tragedy in New Orleans' French Quarter
In the early hours - a vehicle-ramming attack on Bourbon Street resulted in 14 fatalities and 35 injuries. The assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran with alleged ties to extremist ideologies, was fatally shot by police at the scene. Despite the tragedy - the French Quarter's resilient spirit was evident as football fans filled the same streets the following day, determined to continue their celebrations. This swift return to normalcy sparked debate, with some questioning the appropriateness of such festivities so soon after the attack. One observer poignantly remarked, "Would we have had a rave on 9/12 at ground zero?"
Tesla Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas
Later that day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. The driver, identified as decorated Army soldier Matthew Livelsberger, reportedly used AI tools like ChatGPT to plan the explosion, which he intended as a "wakeup call" for the nation's issues. This incident has ignited discussions about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in orchestrating acts of violence. What makes this event even more chilling is the symbolism behind the location and the vehicle involved. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has been closely tied to political controversies, and Musk himself has been a vocal supporter of free speech absolutism - often aligning with right-wing narratives. The explosion outside the Trump International Hotel adds another layer of intrigue. The overlap between Musk and Trump - both figures emblematic of controversy, influence, and cultural division - has led many to speculate that this incident was more than coincidental.
Bomb Threats Across Multiple States
Adding to the day's turmoil, bomb threats were reported in Texas, Virginia, and South Carolina, leading to evacuations and heightened security measures. In South Carolina, a bomb threat temporarily closed a section of Interstate 85, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Authorities have noted striking similarities between all of these incidents - with early reports suggesting the attackers may have been working in coordination. These incidents, occurring within the first 24 hours of the new year, have raised alarm about escalating violence and the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.
January 2
Trump Announces Rally
In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to hold a "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" in Washington, D.C. on January 19, just one day before his inauguration. The announcement stirs anticipation and questions about the tone of his presidency as he gears up for the upcoming political season.
Security Concerns Loom
The previous day's violence, including a terror attack in New Orleans and a deadly explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, continued to dominate headlines. Trump condemned the Biden administration's immigration policies, claiming they contributed to the rising tide of extremism and violence. Meanwhile, discussions about the threats to national security have reached a fever pitch.
Israeli Airstrikes
On the global front, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes in Syria, targeting key military infrastructure and resulting in at least 15 deaths. The airstrikes represent an ongoing escalation in the Middle East as Israel faces growing challenges from hostile actors in the region.
January 3
Mike Johnson Re-Elected
The U.S. House of Representatives re-elected Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative from Louisiana, as Speaker, but the process exposed deep fractures within the Republican Party. Johnson initially failed to secure the necessary votes, with some Republicans defecting to alternative candidates, highlighting the dysfunction and infighting among the GOP. Despite this, Johnson ultimately clinched the position after backroom deals and a phone call from President-elect Donald Trump swayed key dissenters. This chaotic process raises concerns about the party’s ability to govern effectively, as it demonstrates the extent of their internal division and extreme ideological factions.
Johnson’s re-election achieved through narrow margins and behind-the-scenes deals, bodes poorly for the future of the House and the legislative process. With a razor-thin majority and a party increasingly influenced by far-right extremism, it is unlikely that meaningful bipartisan cooperation will be possible. The GOP’s focus on policies like cutting federal spending and restricting immigration will likely stall in a divided Congress, while the party’s inability to present a unified front only weakens its ability to govern. The 2026 midterm elections loom large, threatening to further fragment the GOP and leave the House in a state of perpetual gridlock. This is not only bad for the Republican Party but disastrous for the nation as a whole.
January 4
More Key Appointments
President-elect Donald Trump announced several more key appointments for his incoming administration :
Tammy Bruce: Appointed as the Spokesperson for the Department of State, Bruce is a former Fox News contributor known for her conservative commentary. Her appointment reflects Trump's strategy to integrate media personalities into key government positions.
Joseph Nocella Jr.: Selected as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nocella is a Nassau County judge with a background in law enforcement. His appointment is part of Trump's efforts to place individuals with law enforcement experience in significant legal positions.
These appointments continue the trend of selecting individuals with backgrounds that lack direct experience in government roles. Trump’s appointments are a masterclass in picking people with zero government experience. Musk, a tech mogul, and Ramaswamy, a pharma investor, are supposed to navigate the complexities of federal governance, while JD Vance’s brief stint in the Senate hardly qualifies him for much. Then there's RFK Jr., who’s made a name as a vaccine skeptic, now in charge of health services — great idea, right? And Linda McMahon, with her wrestling background, is tapped for education policy. If the administration’s aim is to turn government into a reality show, they’re certainly on the right track.
These developments suggest a significant shift in the approach to staffing the federal government, prioritizing loyalty and private sector experience over traditional public service backgrounds. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as the incoming administration prepares to assume office.
January 5
Face the Nation Interviews
Face the Nation featured a tense conversation between House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and President-elect Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan - which highlighted the growing rift in Washington. Pelosi pushed for a focus on healthcare reform, climate action, and expanding economic equality, emphasizing the need for the incoming administration to abandon Trump's divisive policies. Thune, however, doubled down on fiscal conservatism, promoting tax cuts for the wealthy and maintaining stringent immigration policies. Meanwhile, Homan - with his continued loyalty to Trump’s hardline stance on immigration - made it clear that little would change on that front, despite widespread criticism. Pelosi didn't mince words and criticized the lack of compassion and practicality in Homan's rhetoric. The segment underscored the polarized landscape of American politics, with no sign of a quick resolution in sight as the new administration prepared to face an uphill battle for bipartisan cooperation.
Massive Winter Storm Alert
Meanwhile, a massive winter storm slammed the country, impacting tens of millions of Americans with a brutal mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain. The storm triggered widespread warnings and advisories across several states, from the Midwest to the East Coast, causing treacherous travel conditions and power outages that left thousands in the dark. Major cities like Chicago and New York saw heavy snowfalls, while the South faced dangerous ice accumulation, disrupting both daily life and emergency services. Airports reported delays and cancellations, and roads were littered with accidents as drivers struggled to navigate the hazardous conditions. Meteorologists predicted the storm would intensify throughout the day, raising concerns about the long-term effects on infrastructure and safety.
January 6
…the Storm Continues
..and intensify it did. By January 6, the storm had evolved into a full-blown crisis, with record-breaking snowfall burying cities, temperatures plummeting to dangerous lows, and ice storms snapping power lines, leaving over a million residents without heat or electricity. Emergency shelters filled to capacity, and first responders braved near-impossible conditions to assist stranded motorists and vulnerable populations. In the Northeast, snow accumulation reached heights unseen in decades, while southern states like Georgia and Alabama contended with icy roadways and an unprepared infrastructure.
Electoral Certification
In addition to the beginning of the winter storm of the decade - January 6 also marked a day of infamy in American history as Congress certified the electoral victory of Donald Trump, ushering in the return of a figure whose record is marred by scandal, legal troubles, and moral depravity. With this certification, Trump becomes the first president-elect in U.S. history to face inauguration as a convicted felon. Among his transgressions : a fraud conviction, a civil ruling holding him liable for sexual assault, and a career built on divisive rhetoric, undermining democratic institutions, and inciting violence (- most notoriously, on this very date four years ago during the Capitol riot.)
Adding an almost surreal twist to the timeline, Trump’s sentencing for his fraud conviction is scheduled for January 10, just days after the certification. This grim juxtaposition - America’s future president facing potential jail time days before reclaiming the Oval Office - highlights the staggering ethical and institutional crisis at hand. As critics have pointed out, this moment raises uncomfortable questions: How did a man accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women, notorious for his disdain for the rule of law, and convicted of financial crimes, rise to the presidency again? While some celebrated the certification as a procedural victory for democracy - for others, it served as a harrowing reminder of its vulnerabilities. As the nation braces for the sentencing and the looming chaos of Trump’s administration, many are left wondering whether the American experiment can withstand this unprecedented test.
January 7
California Wildfires with Hurricane Force Winds
As the East Coast and Midwest remain frozen under a foot of snow, the West Coast is battling an entirely different catastrophe : fire. An exceptional Santa Ana wind event swept through Southern California, with gusts reaching hurricane-force in some areas, sparking multiple wildfires. Among the most devastating was a rapidly spreading 2,900-acre blaze in Los Angeles County that forced the evacuation of over 30,000 residents. The inferno, driven by ferocious winds and bone-dry conditions, left several people with burn injuries and destroyed dozens of homes. Emergency responders described the scene as chaotic, with embers carried miles ahead of the firefront, igniting new blazes. Power outages compounded the crisis, leaving thousands in the dark and without critical communication.
Trump’s Legal Setbacks and Dangerous Rhetoric Continue
Donald Trump faced two significant legal blows as separate judges rejected his appeals to delay his January 10 sentencing. These rulings solidified his imminent court date, where he faces potential prison time on charges that include fraud and obstruction. The denials are yet another legal defeat for the former president, whose track record in the courtroom appears as dismal as his mounting controversies outside of it. Undeterred, Trump shifted his focus to his upcoming January 19 rally, issuing a public statement rife with dangerous undertones. Urging his supporters to "show strength," his choice of words drew immediate backlash from critics. They pointed to eerie parallels with his rhetoric ahead of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection—a day that forever marred the nation’s history. The calls for strength have reignited fears of potential unrest, with many accusing Trump of using divisive language to further inflame his base during a fragile political moment.
January 8
Wildfires and Winter Storms Collide
As wildfires rage across Southern California, the 2,900-acre blaze in Los Angeles County continues to spread, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds. Thousands are evacuated, and emergency services are struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing fire. Power outages and blocked roads are compounding the chaos, while firefighting efforts remain challenged by unpredictable winds. Meanwhile, the East Coast braces for round two of a winter storm that’s already wreaking havoc. The storm’s icy grip has spread into New England, where freezing rain and low temperatures are expected to cause significant disruptions. As the storm intensifies, authorities warn of more severe conditions tonight, particularly in the Northeast. In addition, a new storm system is barreling up from the South, set to impact 20 states, starting with Texas. Cities like Dallas and Houston are preparing for ice storms, and the system is predicted to spread eastward, bringing further travel chaos and power outages.
International Leaders Mock Trump's Proposals
As President-elect Donald Trump continues to make controversial proposals regarding Canada and Mexico, leaders from both countries have pushed back with sharp criticism. Canadian Green Party leader Elizabeth May was particularly vocal, dismissing Trump's repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. May declared, "We love our country, and it’s a country. It’s a nation, and we do not aspire to be the 51st state," emphasizing that such remarks were "never funny" and should cease. Meanwhile, two other Canadian voices echoed similar sentiments. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in on Trump's unsubstantiated annexation ideas, stating, "Canada is a proud, independent nation, and we are not interested in becoming part of the U.S." Additionally, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly called Trump's repeated rhetoric “disrespectful,” highlighting Canada's unwavering sovereignty. In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum joined in the chorus of criticism, mocking Trump's idea to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," quipping, "Mexican America. That sounds nice." These remarks have sparked a wave of international backlash, with leaders calling for more respectful and informed discourse on international relations.
As we wrap up the first week of 2025, it's impossible to ignore the chaos and turbulence that has already set the tone for the months to come. From natural disasters that rage across the country to political drama that unfolds daily, it’s clear that this year will be anything but predictable. With the shadows of past controversies continuing to loom large, the world waits to see how the battles of power, climate, and culture will evolve. Whether it's the unpredictable whims of nature or the deepening political divides, one thing is certain: the first week of 2025 has reminded us that the only constant in this new year is uncertainty.
Buckle up; and come back next week. It looks like it's going to be a wild ride.
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