Obama gives farewell speech

US President Barack Obama will give his farewell speech in Chicago on Tuesday, wrapping up 8 years in office. Mr Obama formally ends his term on Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated in Washington DC.

Obama will undoubtedly use his final official speech to look back on what he considers his greatest achievements – most notably his healthcare reforms, steady economic stewardship, and historic deals with both Cuba and Iran.

However, Mr Trump has cast a shadow over each one of these developments, promising to undo each of them in his own unique way.

For his part, President Obama has said he will not give a running commentary of President Trump’s tenure, but has hinted at a break with tradition by saying he will speak up on issues that raise “core questions” of American values.

While Tuesday’s speech will be a time for reflection, it also marks the beginning of what could be a historically turbulent American political transition.