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
- Barack Obama bracket 2025: March Madness picks, predictions from former president - USA TODAY - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Kylie Kelce Has Perfect Response to Hateful Michelle Obama Message - Newsweek - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama breaks her silence on possibility of 2028 presidential run - PennLive - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Obamas to have a third child to fight divorce rumors? Michelle Obama breaks silence on expanding their fa - The Times of India - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Says Barack Wanted a Third Child but She Wasn't on Board: Were Gonna Get a Crazy One - PEOPLE - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Has Two Very Important Reasons Why She Will Never, Ever Run For President - BuzzFeed - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- How a Lunch With Michelle Obama Led to Netflixs The Residence - Washingtonian - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Insight: The vanishing Obama presidency - The Anniston Star - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Why Michelle Obama Said No to Having a 3rd Baby With Barack Obama - E! Online - E! NEWS - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Will USC womens basketball raise another banner? Heres what Barack Obama has to say - AOL - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama and Kylie Kelce, Both 5'11", Agree That Tall Women Should Get Dibs on the Tall Guys - PEOPLE - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Former Obama official calls AOC one of Dems' most effective messengers - Fox News - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama worried about daughters Malia and Sasha turning up on Page Six while in the White House - Page Six - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama explains why she is not interested in politics after stepping back from spotlight - Page Six - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Kylie Kelce & Michelle Obama Bond Over Extremely Relatable Habit Theyre Often Teased About - Parade Magazine - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals Barack Obama's wish for a third child amid divorce rumours: We should have a third - Hindustan Times - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals the real reason she won't answer Democrat calls to run for president in 2028 - Daily Mail - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Is Still Taking the High Road on Social Media - Vanity Fair - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- UN resolution that passed on Obama admin 11th-hour abstention a mistake, US envoy says - JNS.org - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals Barack's disappointment that she wouldn't have a third child amid divorce rumors - Daily Mail - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Hey, where's Barack Obama's NCAA bracket predictions in 2025? They were late! - For The Win - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Is In Her Rocker-Chic Hair Era and I Am Here For It - Yahoo Life - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama on why Sasha and Malia don't have other siblings - HOLA! USA - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- This is how Michelle Obama has kept her sanity when dealing with social media - Business Insider - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama on the Funny Reason She Said No When Barack Wanted Another Child - Harper's BAZAAR - March 22nd, 2025 [March 22nd, 2025]
- Michelle Obama to share unfiltered thoughts in new podcast 'IMO' with older brother - USA TODAY - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Is Barack Obama dating Jennifer Aniston? What to know about the rumors - PennLive - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- IMO with Michelle Obama review cleaning tips and long-winded platitudes - The Times - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama to Launch New Podcast With Sibling Craig Robinson - Hollywood Reporter - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Tiger Woods Biopic in the Works with Barack and Michelle Obama in Talks to Produce - PEOPLE - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama credits brother for convincing her to support Baracks presidential run - Yahoo Entertainment - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Former first lady Michelle Obama to visit Austin on Thursday - KVUE.com - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Democrats need to get over Michelle Obama - The Telegraph - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- In 2015, Obama committed the US to achieving UN global goals by 2030. Trump just rejected the goals - The Associated Press - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama launches podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson: Heres what to expect - HOLA! USA - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, review: a podcast so shallow it would insult the nearest puddle - The Telegraph - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Will Michelle Obama speak about 'divorce' in new podcast with brother? - The Times of India - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama credits brother for convincing her to support Baracks presidential run - The Independent - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Opens Up About Divorce in the Family and Freedom in New Podcast - The Daily Beast - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- 24 Iowa counties among nation's top 100 for swing from Obama to Trump - Bleeding Heartland - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Could Dems have their first primary candidate for 2028? Former Obama official ready to enter the race - The Independent - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals the truth about 'unusual' White House marriage - Tyla - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama announces video podcast with brother Craig Robinson - Axios - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Said This One Quality of Barack's Is Her Biggest Pet Peeve - InStyle - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama: My brother had to talk me into being first lady - The Telegraph - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama announces new podcast with brother Craig Robinson after stepping back from the spotlight - Page Six - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama premieres podcast with brother Craig Robinson: "We are living in complicated times" - Marca English - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Tiger Woods biopic in the works with Barack, Michelle Obama in talks to produce - ABC Digital Syndication - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama, Brother Craig Robinsons New Podcast Takes Off On YouTube, Talks Life Lessons And Relations - News18 - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Tiger Woods Biopic in the Works with Barack and Michelle Obama in Talks to Produce - MSN - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Launches New Weekly Podcast with Her Brother Craig Robinson to Provide Hope - PEOPLE - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama reveals why she's launching a podcast in 2025 - The Times of India - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Daily Kickoff: The Trump-Obama double standard - Jewish Insider - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Obama archive in Hoffman Estates planned move to Maryland before appearance on DOGE list - Daily Herald - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Lifts the Lid on Childhood in Tiny 1-Bedroom Chicago Apartment as She and Her Brother Launch New Podcast - Yahoo Life - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Opinion | The Obama Plan That Presaged DOGE - The Wall Street Journal - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Hurricane, the hero Belgian Malinois who protected the Obama White House from intruder, has died - NPR - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Hurricane, the Secret Service Dog Who Protected Obama White House from Intruder in 2014, Dies at 15 - PEOPLE - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Hurricane, Dog Who Protected Obama White House From Intruder, Dies at 15 - The New York Times - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Why the Obama Presidential Center is immune to Trump's cuts - Axios - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Former President Barack Obama scheduled to speak at Hamilton College - WSYR - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards Told Barack Obama 'I'm the Truth' in Viral 'Court of Gold' Video - Bleacher Report - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- "Man, y'all better stand down. I'm the truth" - Ant boldly tells US President Barack Obama that hes the real deal - Basketball Network - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Former President Barack Obama to speak at Hamilton College. What you need to know - Utica Observer Dispatch - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Elon Musk Granted Access to Student Loans by Obama-Appointed Judge - Newsweek - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards demands some respect from Barack Obama, viral video reveals: Im the truth! - New York Post - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- NBA Star Anthony Edwards Goes Viral After Telling Obama 'I'm The Truth' - Black Information Network - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Manuals energetic rebrand of the Obama Foundation expands on its visual legacy - It's Nice That - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards demands some respect from Barack Obama, viral video reveals: Im the truth! - NewsBreak - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Barack Obama Was Shocked by Anthony Edwards' Confidence During Team USA Meeting at Paris Olympics - Complex - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- "Man, y'all better stand down. I'm the truth" - Ant boldly tells US President Barack Obama that hes the real deal - MSN - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards Confidently Tells Barack Obama, 'I'm the Truth' - TMZ - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards has viral moment with former President Obama in new documentary - Dunking with Wolves - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- My Take: Didnt Trump gripe about Obama using too many executive orders? - Parker Pioneer - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats Biggest Problem Right Now is 'The Way They Talk', Former Obama Strategist Says (Exclusive) - LatinTimes - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards had the cockiest exchange with Barack Obama before the Olympics - For The Win - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Megyn Kelly calls Obama-appointed federal judges "absolute idiots" who were hired because of their "DEI profile" - Media Matters... - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Tariffs will add to inflation, ex-Obama economics advisor says - Channel 4 News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Donald Trump pardons former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich: How is he connected to Barack Obama? - The Times of India - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Fact Check: Yes, Trump rebuked Obama in 2012 for 'constantly issuing executive orders' - Yahoo - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]