Two stormtroopers and R2-D2 surprised reporters with an appearance in the White House briefing room while President Obama rushed to finish a press conference so he could watch the latest Star Wars film.

A screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens was held for Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families is an organisation for those who lost family members in the Iraq War.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest was joined by Stormtroopers and R2D2 for a photo opportunity in the Brady Press Briefing Room.