2016: The Year in Washington (45 images)

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres wipes her tears after President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 22. At right is Robert De Niro. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

President Barack Obama and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi review the troops during the official State Visit welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 18, 2016. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance to the Michael Jackson's "Thriller" during a Halloween event in the East Room of the White House on October 31 in Washington, D.C. The first couple hosted local children and children of military families for trick-or-treating at the White House. Photo by Olivier Douliery/UPI

President Barack Obama speaks during a visit to Benjamin Banneker Academic High School to highlight the progress that has been made over the last eight years to improve education across the country on October 17 in Washington, DC. Pool Photo by Olivier Douliery/UPI