​Washington: Even leaders of the free world need take precaution when staring at the sun.

President Donald Trump took in the solar eclipse from the White House balcony, first looking up at the phenomenon without the necessary glasses to protect his eyes as an aide shouted: "Don't look."

Trump had solar eclipses glasses but initially neglected to wear them as he squinted at the sun with wife Melania and son Barron by his side.