The biggest stories of the decade according to you – NBC News
We asked: What do you think are the biggest stories of the past decade? Here's what NBC News and MSNBC readers and viewers shared. We'll be updating this graphic through the end of 2019.
Numbers indicate the number of submissions per story.
Donald J. Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election was nothing short of a political earthquake and the aftershocks continue to rock the lives of Americans. The real estate developer and former reality television star has virtually monopolized headlines for nearly every day of his presidency, thrilling his supporters and alarming his critics with hard-right policy moves, incendiary rhetoric and a freewheeling Twitter feed.
Trump, who is gearing up for re-election in 2020, has already reshaped the landscape with a massive tax cut, sweeping changes to immigration rules, and the consolidation of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court. No matter the outcome of Novembers election, Trump has unequivocally redefined the presidency for many years to come.
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Washington may be divided on the correct response to global warming, but huge swaths of people across the world, from progressive political leaders to average citizens and activists, are convinced that climate change represents the gravest and most pressing threat to the planet. Whats more, many scientists expect that the issue caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas could get far worse by the end of the century.
Trump, for his part, has announced his intention to pull out of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. But people in states and cities across the United States and many parts of the world remain committed to curbing greenhouse gas emissions and continue to push for more comprehensive action. Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, meanwhile, emerged this year as a global conscience for environmental activism. (She also made the cut for the biggest story of the decade as chosen by NBC News readers and viewers).
America's intelligence agencies agree: Russian President Vladimir Putin's government meddled in the 2016 presidential election, aiming to sow social discord and boost Trump's anti-establishment candidacy. The interference campaign, with tactics ranging from fake news and digital disinformation to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee, have been heavily dissected and hotly debated throughout much of Trump's time in the Oval Office.
Russian election interference, characterized by some as an unprecedented subversion of American democracy, was also one of the focal points of former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible ties between Trump campaign associates and Putin's government. Mueller ultimately found no proof that Trump criminally colluded with Russia, but senior officials continue to sound the alarm about Russia's plans for 2020.
The fourth-biggest story of the decade is still being written: Earlier this month, Trump became only the third president in U.S. history to be impeached after the Democratic-led House of Representatives charged him with committing high crimes and misdemeanors. The process will eventually move to a trial in the GOP-controlled Senate.
Democrats accuse Trump of violating his oath of office in pressuring Ukraine to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter while withholding some $400 million in aid, as well as obstructing Congress by refusing to release any documents related to his actions. Trump, who has angrily pushed back against the Houses proceedings, now becomes the first president to run for re-election after being impeached.
Barack Obamas re-election in 2012 cemented his barrier-breaking place in history and symbolized the dramatic cultural changes of the decade. Obamas second term in the White House was often hindered by fierce GOP opposition in Congress, although he notched a series of progressive victories, including signing the Paris Agreement, reaching a nuclear deal with Iran and negotiating rapprochement with Cuba.
But simmering domestic unrest, including the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and mounting anger in many parts of the world over the unequal recovery from the global financial crisis frequently tested the limits of Obamas political appeal. The resurgence of anti-establishment populism in his final months in office Brexit, Trumps election also threatened to erode much of his legacy.
And yet for many Americans, Obama remains an inspirational figure admired for his soaring rhetoric, steady leadership and history-making ascent to the White House.
Robin Muccari is a data visualizations and graphics designer for NBC News Digital.
Daniel Arkin is a reporter for NBC News.
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The biggest stories of the decade according to you - NBC News
- Obama warns donors that races are 'on the razor's edge' as he ramps up midterm push - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama, Praising Past White House Remodels, Takes Veiled Aim at Trump - The New York Times - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Sam Kass, former Obama family personal chef and policy adviser, wins the Julia Child Award - Chicago Tribune - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama raises more than $13 million for Democrats, urges voters to "turn hope into action" at ballot box in November - CBS News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama Foundation and Presidential Center employees are organizing with AFSCME - afscme - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Boston: The remarkable Bush-Obama friendship - Dallas News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Mike Ditka tributes pour in from President Trump, former President Obama, Chicago and the NFL - AP News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Former President Barack Obama endorses David Crowley in Wisconsin race for governor - News From The States - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama Foundation and Presidential Center workers to unionize: We don't even have a seat at the table - Chicago Sun-Times - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump says he could have done very bad things to Biden, Obama and Clinton - MS NOW - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- KFile: El-Sayed has history of knocking Obama & his failures - CNN - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump: I could have done bad things to Hillary Clinton, Biden, Obama - The Hill - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- At the Races: Unleash Obama - Roll Call - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Democrats see hope with Obama on the campaign trail - Denver Gazette - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama endorses Crowley for Wisconsin governor - The Daily Cardinal - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama lowers boom on Trump over White House renovations - SILive.com - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump says he rejected investigating Biden, Obama out of 'respect' for office - USA Today - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama: Care For This Country as We Would Our Own Children - East Wing Magazine - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- NEWS OF THE WEEK: Barack and Michelle Obama celebrate 34 years wed - Yahoo - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- El-Sayed Has Trump Fuming, AOC Buzzing and Obama Stumping - WSJ - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Former Obama advisor tells divided Maine Democrats to 'get over your s---' and win the race - Fox News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Abdul El-Sayed Criticized Obama for Years. Now Theyre Campaigning Together - National Review - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Steps Out in Monochromatic Look That Puts a Twist on Her Signature Style - InStyle - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Barack Obama is in Massachusetts today. Here's why - NBC Boston - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WDBJ7 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama Visits KC, First Day of Fall - Flatland KC - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - FOX5 Vegas - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Obama Presidential Center - Chicago Maroon - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WTHI-TV - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WJHG - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - ABC7 WWSB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Valley News Live - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WTOC - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - wvlt.tv - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WBKO - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KY3 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KTRE - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WLFI - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WNEM - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WBTV - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KBTX News 3 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - wtvm.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WCJB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - FOX19 | Cincinnati - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KWCH - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WFSB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Cleveland 19 News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WKYT - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KNOE - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Upper Michigan's Source - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WRDW - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - CBS7 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KGNS - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KMVT - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - hometownstations.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KXII - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WMBF - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Hundreds gather to hear Obama speak at Salem State speaking event - Salem News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- St. Petes Obama Main Library receives honor for renovation - Tampa Bay Times - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- 'Sit this one out': Piers Morgan says Obama a hypocrite for criticizing Trump press ban | RISING - The Hill - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama Agrees With The CEOs: Now is the time for the AI Slowdown - PCMag - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama to the Max (N/A) by Peter Max - Artsy - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama glosses over his own attempt to block media from White House as he slams Trumps CNN ban - New York Post - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama criticizes Trump on approach to AI, escalates warning for stronger regulation - Fox News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama on Agentic AI: The Technology Race, Commercial Pressure, and Regulation - . . - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama on AI: Government has to be regulating this | CNN Politics - CNN - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Obama warns bad humans could weaponize AI, calls for regulation at Colgate appearance - Syracuse.com - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- CEO of Kraft Heinz responds to Obama's take on ketchup - NBC News - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Is Bringing This Trending Shoe Into Fall, and It Makes Any Outfit Look More Expensive - instyle.com - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Eighteen students selected as 2026-27 University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars - University of Chicago News - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Obama on AI: Government has to be regulating this - WKYC - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama will be in Fort Worth in celebration of Opal Lee. How you can get tickets to see the former first lady - CBS News - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Michelle and Barack Obama Announce the Death of Beloved Dog and Former White House Resident Sunny - people.com - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Obama Bashes Trump for Not Pushing Serious Regulatory Framework on AI: Thats Not How We Treat Airlines or Drug Companies! - Yahoo - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Malia Obama Shows Off Her Cool-Girl Style in Cut-Off Shorts and Divisive Shoes During Rare Outing - instyle.com - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Trump rescinds Obama-era order that overhauled Chesapeake Bay cleanup - The Baltimore Banner - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- "Still fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days. Former President Barack Obama shared that his pet dog Sunny, who joined the family... - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- What Were Reading: Michelle Obama is coming to Fort Worth, NBC4 helicopter crash report and more. - TCU 360 - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama to visit Texas to honor Grandmother of Juneteenth Opal Lee - Houston Chronicle - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]
- Barack and Michelle Obama mourn death of cherished family dog Sunny: We will miss her terribly - ew.com - September 20th, 2026 [September 20th, 2026]