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
- The Audacity of Art at the Obama Presidential Center - The New York Times - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama, Harris react forcefully to SCOTUS ruling on Voting Rights Act - Yahoo - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Opinion | Prominent MAGA lawyer outrageously links would-be Trump assassin to Obama - MS NOW - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama Presidential Center Museum tickets go on sale May 6. Heres what to know. - WBEZ Chicago - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Switches Up Her Signature Long Braids With Whimsical Y2K-Coded Pigtails - instyle.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack Obama's Former Speechwriter Says Founders Make This 1 Public Speaking Mistake. Heres How to Avoid It - inc.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama Center Tickets To Go On Sale Thursday - Block Club Chicago - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack Obama Got Ripped After His Latest "X" Post On The SCOTUS Decision - facebook.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- 90s rap legend begins 14-year prison stint related to illegal Obama campaign funding - PennLive.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama Presidential Center Museum tickets go on sale May 6. Heres what to know - Chicago Sun-Times - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Today in History: May 1, Obama announces killing of Osama bin Laden - The Journal Gazette - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack Obama Responds To WHCD Shooting With 'Sobering' Thought - HuffPost - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Ana in the foyer where President Obama once stood - WGN-TV - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Sorry, SambasMichelle Obama Just Crowned an Affordable, Quiet-Luxury Adidas Sneaker the It Shoe of the Year - instyle.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Today in History: Barack Obama denounces the Rev. Jeremiah Wright - Chicago Tribune - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- White House defends Trump passport with Obama Metro cardbut theres one big difference - TheGrio - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Former chief advisor to Obama warns of social media-driven division at UI - The Daily Iowan - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama, Harris react forcefully to SCOTUS ruling on Voting Rights Act - TheGrio - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack Obama reacts to WHCD shooting--and ticks off conservatives over suspect's motive - TheGrio - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Talk, Truth, Tea: Obama appearing with Stephen Colbert as show ends - WCCB Charlotte - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Anne Hathaway, Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Aniston Agree: Adidas Sneakers Are Springs Cool-Girl Shoe - instyle.com - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama and Mamdani meet for first time with preschoolers in the Bronx - theticker.org - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- A day of loss: US Supreme Court dilutes Voting Rights Act in ruling, sparking outcry from Obama and Harris - News India Times - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack and Michelle Obama enter new creative chapter with Broadway revival of Proof - Yahoo - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Obama sets internet ablaze with 'sick' reaction to the 'motive' of WHCD shooter - Fox News - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Barack Obama wants the violence to stop (wink, wink) - Washington Times - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Trump eyes Iran deal with many of the trade-offs he blasted Obama for accepting - The Washington Post - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and President Barack Obama Visit Early Childhood Education Center in the South Bronx - NYC.gov - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Photos show Obama and Mamdani reading to preschoolers in the Bronx - ap.org - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Obama and Mamdani read and sing with New York preschoolers in first meeting - The Guardian - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Former President Barack Obama Obama meets Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York City before reading to preschoolers - ABC7 Los Angeles - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- George W. Bush Shares the Story Behind His Viral Altoid Pass to Michelle Obama at John McCain's Funeral - people.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- EXCLUSIVE: Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden Reveal Why They Have Hope For Americas Future - TODAY.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- George W. Bush Has a Theory for Why People Love His Friendship with Michelle Obama - TODAY.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Mamdani, Obama read to children in the Bronx - The Detroit News - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Stunning new poll places Trump with Biden and Obama in brutal assessment - Yahoo - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Imagine if Obama did that: Trump corruption, hypocrisy is glaring by normal standards - MS NOW - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Obama and Mamdani know how to get votes, but howd they do with toddlers? - New York Amsterdam News - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Told Then-Colleague Barack They Couldnt Date at First Because It Was 'Too Clich' - people.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- RAW: JOHN KERRY: TRUMP TRYING TO GIVE IRAN OBAMA'S DEAL - Local 3 News - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Says She Feels 'Fully in Myself in Her 60s: Doing Things That Bring Me Joy - people.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Steph Curry Didnt Have It in Him to Trash Talk Barack Obama on the Golf Course, Ayesha Jokes (Exclusive) - people.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Obama and Mamdani take part in a reading event in New York City - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Dont mess with this Angel: Michelle Obama stands up for Angel Reese - TheGrio - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- See Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani turn reading to Bronx kids into a blueprint for New Yorks future - revolt.tv - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- NBA star 'didn't have it in him' to trash-talk Barack Obama during round of golf - Daily Express US - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Barack & Michelle Obama Are Done Watching Their Work Disappear on Netflix - Pajiba - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Obama and Mamdani meet in NYC for first time, read to Bronx preschoolers - The Morning Sun - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Video. Obama and Mamdani sing with kids during first meeting in New York - Euronews.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- BET Current: Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, and Barack Obama Make Headlines with New Additions and Powerful Appearances - bet.com - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Issues Stern Warning to Angel Reeses Critics - The Spun - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Barack Obama reading books to preschoolers with Zohran Mamdani is a very big deal - Flux | Matthew Sheffield - April 23rd, 2026 [April 23rd, 2026]
- Trump Gets Crushed by Obama in Humiliating Poll Which Crowns Dolly Parton as Most Popular - The Daily Beast - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- MAGA pundit says Obama aide and the Pope are conspiring to hurt Trump - The Independent - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Where Was the Outrage Over Obama Depictions as Jesus? - National Today - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Dolly Parton tops celebrity favorability poll; beats Obama, Trump, Taylor Swift - and its not close - LiveNOW from FOX - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- CNN guest lays out bonkers Obama-Pope Leo conspiracy theory plot to bring down Trump - SILive.com - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Barack Obama Twists the Knife After JD Vances Humiliation - The Daily Beast - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Obama-Appointed Judge Rebuked Over Trump Deportation Flights - Newsweek - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- MAGA pundit insists Obama aide and the Pope are conspiring to hurt Trump - Yahoo News UK - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- COMMENTARY: The next Obama cant stand right-wing media scrutiny - Jefferson City News Tribune - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Queen Elizabeth II "Expressed Her Real Views" on Brexit to Barack Obama, Former President Revealed - Marie Claire - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Queen Elizabeth II "Expressed Her Real Views" on Brexit to Barack Obama, Former President Revealed - Yahoo - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Jamie Dimon Says Missed Obama-Era Plan Would Have Been A 'Home Run' For US Debt Crisis: 'Wish It Had...' - Yahoo Finance - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Barack Obama to speak at Canada 2020 gala in Toronto on May 8 - The Hill Times - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Obama Accused Of Working With Pope Leo To Ensure Republicans Lose Their Seats - The Kenya Times - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Dolly Parton beats Obama and Zelensky in US popularity poll - Far Out Magazine - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Obama's fave: Ari on Jay-Zs path from projects to Wall St, MLK and Blueprint Breakdown (1996-2026) - MS NOW - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- In 2011, Barack Obama said it was time to 'pivot' to Asia. But 15 years later, the U.S. is still at war in the Middle East - Fortune - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Pope Meets With Top Obama Adviser Following Pentagon Threat - The New Republic - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Trump's Treasury is taking over defaulted student-loan accounts. Here's what happened when Obama did it. - Business Insider - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Will Trump get a worse Iran deal than Obama? Heres what to know - CNN - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Why was Michelle Obama in Yellow Springs with Dave Chappelle? | Opinion - The Columbus Dispatch - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Jenna Ortega Thought She Had a Crush on Barack Obama at 6. Turns Out, She Just 'Wanted His Job' - People.com - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Illinois residents to receive free entry on one day of the week at Obama Presidential Center Museum - NBC 5 Chicago - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Tickets for Obama Presidential Center Museum go on sale in early May - NBC 5 Chicago - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- obama presidential center set to open with site-specific artworks and sculptures on campus - Designboom - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Obama musical tickets; when to go, what to know about 44 in DC - USA Today - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Iran pressures Trump to give them a better deal than Obama - Newsweek - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Says America Is in a Janky Version of Itself - bet.com - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]