Obama drops mic: Trudeau gets off easy in last White House roast

Barack Obama didn't hold back during his final White House correspondents' dinner as U.S. president, ripping into Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Kendall Jenner and many of the journalists at the gala in Washington. 

He even made a crack at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's expense. Nothing was off limits.

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The jokes — and Obama's signature stone-faced delivery — have been getting lots of attention online in the hours since. Here's a look at some of the highlights from Obama's speech and how they were received online.

The U.S. presidential race

'Foreigner' Obama roasts Cruz

9 years ago

Duration 0:47

Annual soirée was Barack Obama's 8th — and last — as a sitting president

Many of Obama's jokes were dedicated to those vying for his job. He made time to make fun of both Democrat and Republican presidential hopefuls, mocking Clinton, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders, who was in attendance.

"Hillary trying to appeal to young voters is a little bit like your relative who just signed up for Facebook. 'Dear America, did you get my poke? Is it appearing on your wall? I'm not sure I'm using this right. Love, Aunt Hillary,'" he said, pretending to impersonate Clinton.

She responded Sunday on Twitter.

Of course, he also devoted time to grilling businessman Trump, who was notably absent at the gala. Trump, now a Republican candidate, has been the butt of Obama's jokes at many past correspondents' dinners, most notably in 2011, following the businessman's claims about the president's birth certificate.

"There is one area where Donald's experience could be invaluable and that's closing Guantanamo," Obama said. "Trump knows a thing or two about running waterfront properties into the ground."

Prince George

Obama on getting dissed by Prince George

9 years ago

Duration 0:55

Annual soirée was Barack Obama's 8th — and last — as a sitting president

Age wasn't a factor for Obama's chiding. He joked about two-year-old Prince George and the apparel he chose to wear when the two met at Kensington Palace last week.

"Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe," Obama cracked. "That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol."

The now-famous photo of the two meeting went viral online, prompting the tiny bathrobe to sell out. 

Trudeau, Rachel McAdams

Obama zings Trudeau at correspondents' dinner

9 years ago

Duration 1:08

Annual soirée was Barack Obama's 8th — and last — as a sitting president

A couple of Canadians got a mention in Obama's final speech, including Spotlight star Rachel McAdams and Trudeau.

Early in his speech, Obama made a joke about Trudeau — albeit it was much tamer than most of the others shots he took throughout the evening.

"Somebody said to me recently: 'Mr. President, you are so yesterday. Justin Trudeau has completely replaced you. He's so handsome, he's so charming, he's the future.' And I said: 'Justin, just give it a rest.'"

The joke does more to fuel the supposed "bromance" between the two leaders, in wake of Trudeau's recent state visit to Washington and his encounters with Obama at various summits.

The journalism industry

Obama teases journalists

9 years ago

Duration 1:19

Annual soirée was Barack Obama's 8th — and last — as a sitting president

Obama made quite a few pot shots at the journalism industry and the many journalists who packed the ballroom to honour him Saturday night. Specifically, he mocked CNN and the Washington Post, as well as the changing nature of the industry.

"As you know, Spotlight is a film, a movie about investigative journalists with the resources and the autonomy to chase down the truth and hold the powerful accountable. Best fantasy film since Star Wars," he said.

He also chided the media for its role in Trump's presidential campaign.

"I think we can all agree that from the start he's gotten the appropriate amount of coverage befitting the seriousness of his candidacy. Ha. I hope you all are proud of yourselves."

Jokes aside, Obama ended his speech by thanking journalists and appreciating the role the media can play, despite clashes with his administration.

And with that, Obama signed off in memorable fashion: He picked up his own mic — different than the ones he was using throughout the speech — and dropped it off the podium.

"Obama out," he said.

'Obama out!' mic drop

9 years ago

Duration 0:43

Annual soirée was Barack Obama's 8th — and last — as a sitting president