White House staff left 'in tears' after thank you speech from Michelle Obama

First lady Michelle Obama reportedly left White House staffers in tears after she took them out for her farewell final holiday pizza party this week.

Obama, who is set to leave the White House ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration on 20 January, threw a final Christmas party at We The Pizza restaurant in DC, later moving on to Bernaise, at an event that became emotional after she delivered a thank you speech to staff.

A source told The Hill how her words "left everybody in tears" as they celebrated the final holiday party and the past eight years in the White House at the restaurant, which is supposedly a favourite of the first lady's.

Chef Spike Mendelsohn, who owns the restaurant, shared a snap on Instagram of some of the goodies he cooked up for the team, including biscuits featuring campaigns Obama has spearheaded over the past two terms her husband has been in office, such as education for girls.

He wrote: "Yes we can and yes we did!!! Honoured to host @michelleobama last holiday party. What an honour to have worked with her team over the last 8 years on very important initiatives that have shaped our country for many decades to come. Thank you."

Obama has enjoyed positive approval ratings throughout her husband's presidency, impressing with her campaigns, speeches and warm demeanour on shows such as Ellen and James Cordon's Drive by Karaoke.

The first lady is so well liked, there have been suggestions she should run for president in future, although she has made no comment on these suggestions.