President Barack Obama has bid farewell to his office as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to take over office on the 20th of January.
Obama made an emotional speech to a crowd of 18 000 Americans on Tuesday in his hometown, Chicago, thanking every American for making him a better president and a better man.
“Michelle and I have been touched by all the well wishes that we’ve received over the last few weeks, but tonight is my turn to say thanks”, he said.
“Whether we have seen eye to eye or we hardly agreed, my conversations with you American people, kept me honest, inspired and kept me going.”
Obama urged American to stand up for US values and reject discrimination as the country transitions into Trump’s leadership.
“Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back.”
The tearful Obama thanked his wife, Michelle Obama, for the “sacrifices” that she has made, as well as his daughters for supporting him throughout his reign as President.
He said the first lady had played her role “with grace, grit, style and good humour” as well as making the White House a place that belongs to everybody.
Obama will be remembered for being the first black American president, who aggressively dealt with public health inequality by enforcing healthcare policies which made healthcare affordable to all Americans.
This is how Americans took to social media to express their feelings on his departure.
A video of his speech has been trending