Just in the nick of time! Obama gives out his last Medals of Freedom to stars including Trump-haters Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen, Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Hanks

President Obama gave out his last batch of Presidential Medals of Freedom today to huge names in Hollywood, the world of sports, philanthropy and more.
For many on the list, liberals who supported Hillary Clinton, it could be their last chance for years to receive the nation's highest civilian honor with Donald Trump heading to the White House come January.

From a podium at the White House, Obama explained that the awards are given to Americans who have 'lifted our spirits, strengthened our union, pushed us toward progress.'

The honorees sat behind Obama as he delivered introductions that could have passed as a roast – though in coded language the president swatted at Trump, over the Muslim ban and the president-elect's criticism of 'Saturday Night Live.'

'I always love doing this event. But this is a particularly impressive class,' he said.

'We've got innovators and artists, public servants, rabble rousers, athletes, renowned character actors - like the guy from Space Jam,' Obama said.

Unlike the great actors actually getting awards - Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro and Robert Redford - the president was referring to basketball great Michael Jordan, who appeared in the '90s partially-animated film.

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President Obama gave out his last batch of Presidential Medals of Freedom today to huge names in Hollywood, the world of sports, philanthropy and more. Standing at the White House podium he explained that the awards are given to Americans 'who have lifted our spirits, strengthened our union, pushed us toward progress.'