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
- President Obama explores ways to combat the rise of authoritarianism with Eastern European alumni - Obama Foundation - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama's Girls Opportunity Alliance is rallying $2.5 million for grassroots education - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Awarded for nothing: Trump hits out at Obama over Nobel Peace Prize win; calls himself more deserving - The Times of India - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- MAGA Fumes at Obama for Ignoring Trump in His Peace Post - The Daily Beast - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- A quick word in the ear and Trump had done what Obama and Biden never could - yahoo.com - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Watch the heartwarming moment when a 102-year-old woman tells Barack Obama what she eats every day - Yahoo Creators - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Trump only really wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize for one reason and you guessed it: its Obama - The Independent - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Obama: We should all be encouraged that end to Israel-Hamas war in sight - The Hill - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Trump railed against Obama before he was passed over for Nobel Peace Prize - TheGrio - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Battenfeld: Obama shows pettiness by failing to credit Trump for peace deal - Boston Herald - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Trumps Attempt to Goad Navy Into Booing Obama Met With Awkward Silence - Yahoo - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Trump Slams Obama's Nobel Peace Prize Win Just Before Losing His Campaign - BIN: Black Information Network - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize 2025: The delicious Obama twist in giving the award to Venezu - Times of India - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Trump only really wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize for one reason and you guessed it: its Obama - Yahoo - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- "Obama Got It For Nothing": Trump Tears Into Ex-President's Nobel Prize Win - NDTV - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Obama's Go-To Hometown Meal Comes With A Heaping Helping Of Comfort - Yahoo - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Trump tries to get Navy to boo Obama what happened next left the crowd silent - The Economic Times - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Top CNN anchor shocks with praise for Trump compared to Obama - SILive.com - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Barack Obama's 'elite' pen of choice is unbelievably affordable today - Creative Bloq - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Be cool when you walk down: Trump compliments the way Obama would bop down the stairs of Air Force One - Yahoo - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Obama's Go-To Hometown Meal Comes With A Heaping Helping Of Comfort - Chowhound - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Trump met with awkward silence after attempting to get crowd to boo Obama - tyla.com - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Watch: Trump flops at Navy's 250th anniversary event; tries to provoke boos for Obama but fail - Times of India - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Did Obama say '80% of the world's problems involve old men hanging on'? - Snopes - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Trump just tried to claim he's in better shape than Obama but nobody's buying it - Indy100 - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama shares the ultimate secret to happiness, says Gen Z is simply not getting it - Scoop Upworthy - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's Photos Through the Years - People.com - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Former President Barack Obama - Image 1 from The Obamas Celebrate 33 Years of Black Love At Its Finest - bet.com - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Michelle and Barack Obama Share Adorable, Never-Before-Seen Photo to Celebrate 33rd Anniversary - instyle.com - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- During the Obama administration, Donald Trump spent years blaming the president for government shutdowns. The federal government remained shut down... - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- CNN speaks with the man behind the viral DJ Obama AI-generated images - CNN - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- From Mariah Carey to Obama and Chris Brown, every celebrity mentioned in Diddy's trial - USA Today - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Says She's 'Lucky to Go Through Life' with Barack on 33rd Wedding Anniversary - People.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Reveals Baracks Annoying Habit That Makes Her Want to Smack You Upside the Head - instyle.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama cites 'quite the journey' with Barack Obama in anniversary message - Fox News - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Dana White reveals what President Barack Obama said to him at 2025 inauguration - Yahoo - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- See Photos of Barack and Michelle Obama Through the Years as the Couple Celebrates Their 33rd Wedding Anniversary - Yahoo - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama are blissfully in love celebrating 33rd anniversary - revolt.tv - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Dana White reveals what he discussed with Barack Obama at Trumps inauguration - PennLive.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle and Barack Obama celebrate their anniversary: How long have they been married? - HOLA - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- What Do I Have in Common with Michelle Obama? We Both Love This Laguna Beach-Based Jewelry Brand - PureWow - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama celebrate 33 years of marriage with touching tributes and timeless memories - Indiablooms - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama sweetly celebrate their 33rd anniversary with loved-up tributes: The best decision - Page Six - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Trump and White House ramp up racist memes blaming Democrats for shutdown: Dollar Store Obama - Yahoo News Canada - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Just Revealed Baracks Irritating Habit That Makes Her Want to Smack Him Upside the Head - The Root - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Michelle and Barack Obama Share Adorable, Never-Before-Seen Photo to Celebrate 33rd Anniversary - AOL.com - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Picking the health care fight a good idea for Democrats, says former Obama official - MSNBC News - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Trump praised Obama during speech to military leaders in a very bizarre way - The Independent - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Dishes on Baracks Habit That Makes Her So Irritated She Wants to Smack Him - Yahoo - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Donald Trump vs. Barack Obama: New poll wont make the president happy - PennLive.com - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Obama Foundation awards Willamette University student the prestigious Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service - Willamette University - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered host Kinsey Schofield criticises the way Michelle Obama talks about her husband. - Facebook - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals the one thing Barack does that makes her want to smack him 'upside the head' - HOLA - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Megyn Kelly says Michelle Obama's latest choice of podcast guest makes it clear her marriage to Barack is on rocks - Daily Mail - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- The former first lady explained how her ideal relationship with Barack Obama is anything but that. - Yahoo News Canada - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- UFC boss Dana White lifts lid on surprising talk with Barack Obama at Donald Trump inauguration - The Independent - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- What Barack Obama does that makes Michelle want to smack him upside the head - Stuff - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Obama Says Old Men Hanging On Are Behind Most of the Worlds Problems - Yahoo - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Obama CBA organizers celebrate win for South Side housing protections, but say the fight continues - The TRiiBE - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- St. Pete Obama Library is back and better than ever - crowsneststpete.com - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Obama Trolls Old Men Who Put Their Name on Everything - Yahoo - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Amanda Seales Claims Barack Obama Raised The Bounty On Assata Shakur To $2 Million While In Office - HOT 97 - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Barack Obama says there is "no military rationale" for Israel's attacks on Gaza at Dublin event - Hotpress - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Obama Presidential Center deposits just $1M into $470M reserve fund aimed to protect taxpayers - Fox News - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Kamala Harris mentions Michelle Obama only three times in 300-page book. Here's what she said - Fox News - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Obama says theres no military rationale for Israels offensive in Gaza - CNN - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Column: Trumps partisan bluster swirls around Obama, Gabbard - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Money donated to build Obama library being sent on to politically charged Tides group - New York Post - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- How it started, how its going: Progress at the Obama Presidential Center - Obama Foundation - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Obama Says Old Men Hanging On Are Behind Most of the Wo... - Complex - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Obama fires back at Trump, RFK Jr. over alleged Tylenol link to autism | RISING - The Hill - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- City Council Confirms Ald. Burnett III and Approves Obama Center Set-Asides, ADUs - South Side Weekly - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Politics at an Inflection Point: An Evening with President Obama - Roar News - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Obama Rips Trump for Tying Tylenol to Autism: Violence Against the Truth | Video - Yahoo News Malaysia - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Barack Obama in Dublin: There is no military rationale for continuing to pummel Gaza - The Irish Times - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Does Trumps West Bank Wording Forewarn of an Obama 2.0 at the UN? - The Times of Israel - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Obama says he has been 'digging myself out of' hole with Michelle - Fox News - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump news at a glance: Obama says the US caught between two visions of the future as he criticises the president - The Guardian - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Obama says Trumps Tylenol announcement was violence against the truth - CNN - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Barack Obama at the O2 review If he doesnt have the answers, who does? - The Times - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]