Stormtroopers Invade White House Briefing Room

— -- After President Obama’s news conference, White House press secretary Josh Earnest suddenly appeared in the press briefing room with two Imperial Stormtroopers and R2-D2, surprising journalists waiting for the president to depart for his Hawaiian holiday vacation.

The characters had come for a special screening of the new Star Wars movie with Gold Star families and First Lady Michelle Obama.

"This is pretty cool, isn't it? You gotta admit, this is pretty cool," Earnest said.

At the end of his news conference, President Obama hinted that he intended to drop by the East Wing screening although the event was not on his public schedule.

"I gotta get to 'Star Wars'!" he joked as he wrapped up the presser.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News and Lucasfilm.