US President Barack Obama on Monday announced plans to address the American people January 10 in a speech in which he is expected to put his final imprint on his legacy, according to dpa. Obama will deliver the speech from Chicago, the same city from which he launched his political career, the White House said. "On Tuesday, January 10, I'll go home to Chicago to say my grateful farewell to you, even if you can't be there in person," Obama said in the announcement. He said the US had faced a number of challenges during his two terms but emerged stronger. His speech will "offer some thoughts on where we all go from here," he said. Obama, who returned with his family from a vacation in Hawaii, will leave office on January 20, the same day president-elect Donald Trump is to be sworn in. He said he has just begun to write his remarks, but views the speech as a chance to say thanks "for this amazing journey" and to celebrate the ways the country has changed for the better in the eight years he spent in office. Obama has made some surprising decisions since Trump was elected in November, including placing new sanctions on Russia and expelling 35 diplomats in response to alleged Moscow-directed cyber activities during the election. He also issued an order aimed at protecting parts of the Arctic from oil drilling. In addition, with just 18 days left in his presidency, Obama plans to meet Wednesday with leaders of the Democratic Party at the US Capitol with an eye toward protecting the healthcare reform he pushed through during his first term from being dismantled by Republicans.
