Michelle Obama tells Oprah 2016 election 'painful'

US first lady Michelle Obama has told Oprah Winfrey that the past election was "painful".

Mrs Obama sat down with Winfrey at the White House for an hour-long special broadcast on CBS.

On the topic of the recent campaign, she said: "This past election was challenging for me as a citizen to watch and experience. It was painful."

However, Mrs Obama said she and her husband Barack Obama are supporting President-elect Donald Trump's transition because "it is important for the health of this nation that we support the commander-in-chief."

She said the same thing was not done for her husband, but that "this is what's best for the country".

As for her own political future, Mrs Obama said she will not run for public office.

AP