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Year in Review 2017: Trump is Canada's top news search of the year


To say it’s been a crazy year is a bit of an understatement. From the potential threat of nuclear war to an ongoing refugee crisis, the news that Canadians have been searching for has been decidedly grim.

With the year coming to an end, here’s a look at what news stories Yahoo Canada users have been searching for the most in 2017.

Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before departing the White House for New York in Washington, U.S., December 2, 2017. REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before departing the White House for New York in Washington, U.S., December 2, 2017. REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the U.S. President was the No. 1 most-searched for news topic of 2017. From leaving the Paris Agreement to starting fights with the “fake” media, it seems as though everyday there was a new headline featuring the controversial president. With the Russia probe ongoing and his continued prolific use of Twitter, he’s sure to make the list again next year.

And let’s not forget the whole “covfefe” debacle.

North Korea


In other alarming news, North Korea made it to the No. 2 spot on the list. Between the startling video of a defector being shot multiple times while attempting to flee to South Korea to the very recent photos of ballistic missiles, the whole world is nervously keeping it’s eyes on the mysterious country.

Justin Trudeau


This one also doesn’t come as a shock. As prime minister of our country, it makes total sense why Trudeau would rank so highly in news searches, particularly given some of his media antics this year. From dressing up as Superman for Halloween to his Chewbacca socks on May 4th, he continues to be the darling of media both at home (although some may be rolling their eyes) and abroad. He’s also made headlines for his heartfelt and highly emotional apologies to victims of residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as to the historic injustices against the LGBT community.

Kate Middleton

The lovely British royal made it onto the fourth spot on the list. Between being effortlessly stylish, a committed philanthropist, and an excellent mother, the Duchess of Cambridge announced earlier this year that she is expecting her third child with Prince William. No doubt she will make the list next year when the newest royal joins big brother George and big sister Charlotte!

Sears


On the financial front, the news about Sears shuttering stores piqued interest earlier this year and continued on with the announcement that the Canadian retailer would be liquidating and closing all stores in the country. It also may have made the jump to No. 5 on the most-searched for list over controversy of the liquidation prices and whether they were actually a deal.

U.S. travel ban


As part of his campaign promise, Donald Trump sought to tighten immigration policies to align with his platform of “America First.” The list of countries that he said were not welcome were largely of Muslim backgrounds, prompting people to call the travel ban a #MuslimBan, which people were quick to call discriminatory. The ongoing confusion over the legalities and enforcement of the ban have had users searching for who is actually allowed into the U.S. and just what is actually going on vs. what President Trump is tweeting.

Melania Trump

With her husband in the No. 1 spot, it makes sense that the First Lady is also on the list at No. 7. The interest in Melania, aside from her awesome sense of style, may be due to the internets speculation that she is not happy with her current position. From seemingly slapping Trump’s hand away to social media’s response to her sombre attire at the Vatican, the memes about #FreeMelania were plentiful.

Las Vegas Shooting

Las Vegas Shooting Motive: Gunman Was Narcissistic, Became Depressed After Losing ‘Significant Amount of Wealth,’ Sheriff Says
Las Vegas Shooting Motive: Gunman Was Narcissistic, Became Depressed After Losing ‘Significant Amount of Wealth,’ Sheriff Says

On October 1, the world was shocked by the horrific shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. 58 people were killed, including four Canadians. 546 people were injured. The attack is the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in U.S. history. In the days following the shooting people continued to have questions as to the shooter’s motives, his gun and the modification, and updates to the stories of the people injured.

Syria

Syria refugee total hits over five million: UN
Syria refugee total hits over five million: UN

From the critical status of the refugee crisis to the use of chemical weapons in fighting, the world continues to search for news about the conflict that’s been going on for over six years.

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump arrived to the tree lighting in a white coat with black trim, while Tiffany trailed behind in a black blazer-styled coat. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)
Ivanka Trump arrived to the tree lighting in a white coat with black trim, while Tiffany trailed behind in a black blazer-styled coat. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

Rounding off the list of most search for news items at No. 10 is Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump. From confusion over her role in the White House to women vowing to stop buying from her clothing line, the business woman has had a turbulent year.

What news stories were you searching for this year? Let us know in the comments!