President Trump joined the rest of the nation observing the total solar eclipse Monday, watching from the White House and donning the requisite protective glasses — eventually.

President Trump looks up toward the solar eclipse from the Truman Balcony at the White House, joined by first lady Melania Trump, Aug. 21, 2017. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Trump initially waltzed onto the Truman Balcony without wearing the protective glasses. When he looked up at the sky, a White House aide standing on the lawn below reportedly shouted, “Don’t look!”

The president, known for heeding his own advice, looked.

President Trump with first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, watch from the Truman Balcony at the White House. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Looking directly at the sun is ill advised, even during an eclipse. It’s safe only for those within the path of totality, and even then only for the few brief minutes when the sun is completely covered by the moon. The White House is not in the path of totality.

First lady Melania Trump and the couple’s son, Barron, also appeared on the Truman Balcony, as did the president’s daughter Ivanka, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who appeared particularly awestruck by the celestial event.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross watch the eclipse from the Truman Balcony. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Lawmakers outside of Washington embraced eclipse mania as well.













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Eclipse watching from Dallas pic.twitter.com/QVPdQy2Hbe — JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 21, 2017





Just watched #SolarEclipse17 with the family. It was pretty awesome! pic.twitter.com/xRBoLzUuqE — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) August 21, 2017





Just witnessed a true celestial wonder! #SolarEclispe17 serves as a reminder of how nature impacts us all. pic.twitter.com/jRAfLVb7ex — Mike Quigley (@RepMikeQuigley) August 21, 2017





















Taking a look at #SolarEclispe2017 through the Unitron 60mm under the watchful eye of Dr. Judi Provençal at the Mt. Cuba Observatory. #netDE pic.twitter.com/SnABvW7f0b — Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) August 21, 2017









Got to view the #Eclipse2017 in Helena, MT with local #Veterans and Senator @SteveDaines. Make sure to watch safely. pic.twitter.com/CpHYLWPYrN — Dr. David J. Shulkin (@SecShulkin) August 21, 2017









Watching the #SolarEclipse2017 at Newlon Elementary with principal Rob Beam, @SuptTomB, & State Rep Susan Lontine. Thanks for having us DPS. pic.twitter.com/wLiOlm68b0 — Michael F. Bennet (@SenBennetCO) August 21, 2017





A quick #eclipse break today with my staff. pic.twitter.com/BO9QhhukYc — Senator Tom Carper (@SenatorCarper) August 21, 2017





Contrary to popular belief, you can look at my hair without #EclipseGlasses! #Eclipse2017 — Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) August 21, 2017





My "view" of the #totalsolareclipse right at its peak was from the permafrost tunnel near Fairbanks. pic.twitter.com/mKC7XmvCTT — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) August 21, 2017





Great day for a bike ride and an #eclipse #SolarEclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/ipqu2g5tRr — Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) August 21, 2017











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