Of course he looked.

Monday’s solar eclipse — life-giving, eye-threatening, ostensibly apolitical — summoned the nation’s First Viewer to the Truman Balcony of the White House around 2:38 p.m.

The executive metaphor came quickly.

President Trump lumbered toward the railing, behind the official seal, joined by a familiar assemblage of relatives, aides and at least one relative-aide, his daughter Ivanka Trump.

Mr. Trump’s wife, Melania, wore sunglasses, clutching another pair of protective eclipse shades. The president’s eyewear was ready for him, too. Somewhere.