The Latest: Obama lashes out at Congress over Guantanamo
Obama has selected White House principal deputy press secretary Eric Schulz to be a senior adviser.
Schultz is starting his own public affairs practice but will focus on managing Obama's transition to ex-president.
President Barack Obama is criticizing Congress for refusing to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying there's "simply no justification beyond politics" to keep it open.
In a letter to Congress the day before his term ends, Obama tells lawmakers they have put "politics above the ongoing costs to taxpayers" in keeping the prison open.
The White House says President Barack Obama's final call to a foreign leader was to German Chancellor Angela Merkel (AHN'-geh-lah MEHR'-kuhl).
European leaders are anxious about incoming President Donald Trump's unpredictability and kind words for the Kremlin.
First lady Michelle Obama joined the president on the call.
In his last major act as president, Barack Obama is cutting short the sentences of 330 federal inmates convicted of drug crimes.
During his presidency Obama freed 568 inmates serving life sentences.