The Interview: Year-End Highlights (Dec 24, 2025)
Overview
This special episode of The Interview from the BBC World Service features a compilation of conversations with three influential figures who shaped 2025: US President Donald Trump, British royal Prince Harry, and Nobel laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai. Through candid interviews, the guests reflect on world events, personal crises, identity, and their impact on global affairs. The episode offers insight into leadership, resilience, and the human side of public figures, providing listeners with a window into the challenges and convictions that drive some of the world’s most public lives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. US President Donald Trump: Crisis, Russia, and Legacy
Interviewed by Gary O'Donoghue
[04:01 – 10:04]
Surviving the Assassination Attempt
-
Trump recounted his experience at the 2024 rally in Pennsylvania, describing the shock and silence that followed the attempt on his life:
“It was like dead silence and everything. We had 55,000 people and it was dead silence... I had to let them know I was okay… It's my obligation.”
(Donald Trump, 04:01) -
Reflecting on whether the event changed him, he emphasized focusing on moving forward:
"I don't like dwelling on it because if I did, it would, you know, might be life changing. I don't want it to have to be that."
(Donald Trump, 04:39)
World Leaders: Changed Relationships
- Trump discussed how world leaders treat him differently in his second term:
“They think there's a lot of talent involved. When you do it twice, it's a big difference. I think they've come to respect me and my decision making.”
(Donald Trump, 05:47)
Dealing with Russia and Putin
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On negotiations with President Putin, Trump admitted frustration:
“I thought I had a deal four times... I'm disappointed in him, but I'm not done with him.”
(Donald Trump, 06:42 & 06:47) -
Expressed skepticism about trust on the global stage:
“I trust almost nobody, to be honest with you.”
(Donald Trump, 07:24) -
On ending the conflict in Ukraine:
“The bloodshed is the thing we're working at, Gary. So far, I'm very disappointed. We'll have a great conversation... And then he'll knock down a building in Kiev.”
(Donald Trump, 07:07)
Domestic Agenda and Immigration
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Trump asserted success in restricting border crossings and fulfilling (even exceeding) campaign promises:
“Last month it was zero, which is pretty amazing… I've much more than fulfilled the promises that I've made.”
(Donald Trump, 08:28) -
Prioritizing deportation of criminals, he avoided setting numeric targets, focusing on actions:
“I want to get the criminals out immediately… I don't put a number on [deportations], but I want to get the criminals out quickly.”
(Donald Trump, 09:26 & 09:37) -
On legacy:
“I think America is now a great country, and it was a dead country one year ago.”
(Donald Trump, 09:56)
2. Prince Harry: Security, Family, and Forgiveness
Interviewed by Neda Tofik
[11:22 – 16:31]
Exile and Diminished Security
- Prince Harry expressed sorrow and a sense of exile following the UK government decision to downgrade his and his family’s security:
“I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point... I love my country. I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done.”
(Prince Harry, 11:22)
On Forgiveness and Family Tensions
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He candidly expressed disappointment and inability to forgive some decisions:
“I'm feeling very let down... The press themselves have incited so much hatred towards myself, my wife and even our children. That's hard to forgive.”
(Prince Harry, 11:55) -
On the lingering pain from the 2020 security decision:
“Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020, and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back. But then when you realize that that didn't work, do you not want to just keep us safe?”
(Prince Harry, 12:41) -
Stressed the difference between reconciling with family and moving on from public drama:
“I would love reconciliation with my family… there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has... That reconciliation can’t come without truth. Well, I’ve now found out the truth... it would be nice to have that reconciliation part now.”
(Prince Harry, 14:22)
Prospects for Repair
- Harry voiced doubts about resolving the security dispute with his father but a continued yearning for safety and reconciliation:
“No, I think, I don't think you would ever want to talk about it. I think you would just push it aside… For me and only me, there has to be a royal obligation in order to receive protection on UK soil.”
(Prince Harry, 15:58)
3. Malala Yousafzai: Identity, Trauma, and Hope
Interviewed by Medina Mashanu
[18:12 – 24:31]
The Challenge of Being Defined by Others
- Malala revealed that the world’s perception of her as a symbol often left her feeling misunderstood:
“I was still in an induced coma in hospital when the world was defining me as this brave, courageous young activist. But I was still 15 years old and I did not know who I was.”
(Malala Yousafzai, 18:56)
Impact of Trauma and Fame on Adolescence
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She described the loneliness of her UK schooling post-recovery:
“I actually really struggled to make friends. By the end of my school time, I just had made one friend.”
(Malala Yousafzai, 19:56) -
Explained how being internationally known made normal interactions difficult:
“I think it's because people think that they know you... that image of mine is that of like, this brave Malala who survived the Taliban's attack at age 15 in Pakistan... But I was a normal girl.”
(Malala Yousafzai, 20:46)
Reclaiming Her Narrative and Mental Health
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On her upcoming memoir, Finding My Way:
“This is the most personal reflections I have ever shared before… This is, in a way, me reintroducing myself.”
(Malala Yousafzai, 21:40) -
On therapy and grappling with trauma:
“I started Therapy seven, eight years later after the attack… it broke me down...My perspective on mental health has completely changed now... therapy is now part of my [life].”
(Malala Yousafzai, 22:15)
Was It All Worth It?
- Malala reflects on personal costs and global impact:
“This is a tough question to address...I wish I could have continued my life in Pakistan. But...whatever the circumstances, this pathway is rewarding...I do not want to change it for a second because of the change that today we can make for girls.”
(Malala Yousafzai, 23:42)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------|-------| | 04:01 | Donald Trump | “I had to let them know I was okay… It's my obligation.” | | 06:42 | Donald Trump | “I thought I had a deal four times.” | | 07:24 | Donald Trump | “I trust almost nobody, to be honest with you.” | | 09:56 | Donald Trump | “I think America is now a great country, and it was a dead country one year ago.” | | 11:22 | Prince Harry | “I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point... I love my country.” | | 12:41 | Prince Harry | “Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020, and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back...” | | 14:22 | Prince Harry | “I would love reconciliation with my family... That reconciliation can’t come without truth.” | | 18:56 | Malala Yousafzai | “I was still in an induced coma in hospital when the world was defining me as this brave, courageous young activist.” | | 20:46 | Malala Yousafzai | “People think that they know you... that image of mine is that of like, this brave Malala... But I was a normal girl.” | | 23:42 | Malala Yousafzai | “Whatever the circumstances, this pathway is rewarding... I do not want to change it for a second because of the change that today we can make for girls.” |
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [04:01] – Trump recounts surviving assassination attempt
- [06:42] – Trump on repeated failed Putin deals
- [07:24] – Trump on trust in global leaders
- [09:56] – Trump articulates vision for American renewal
- [11:22] – Prince Harry on exile from the UK and family pain
- [12:41] – Prince Harry on being put at risk and hope for safety
- [14:22] – Prince Harry desires truth as precondition for reconciliation
- [18:56] – Malala discusses being defined by her trauma
- [21:40] – Malala introduces her personal memoir Finding My Way
- [22:15] – Malala’s journey with therapy and changing views on mental health
- [23:42] – Malala on accepting her fate in order to empower girls globally
Tone & Style
The episode blends frankness, vulnerability, and conviction, with each speaker revealing a willingness to show both personal doubts and strengths. The hosts maintain a respectful, open-ended interview style, prompting reflection without excessive confrontation.
Conclusion
This edition of The Interview provides rare, timely glimpses into the inner lives and minds of global figures in a year defined by upheaval—personal and political. Whether discussing leadership under fire (Trump), the struggle for safety and familial love (Prince Harry), or finding identity beyond tragedy (Malala), each conversation is a testament to the complexity and humanity behind the headlines. The episode is both accessible and deeply resonant, suitable for listeners seeking thoughtful, current perspectives on the forces shaping our world.