President Donald Trump on Monday thanked evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. for defending his response to the violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., and was preparing to address the nation at 9 p.m. Eastern on Afghanistan . He also briefly watched the solar eclipse from a White House balcony.

‘THANKS JERRY!’ TRUMP TWEETS AT FALWELL

Trump tweeted thanks to Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., saying the evangelical leader was “fantastic” on “Fox & Friends.” Falwell had appeared on the program Monday morning, saying Trump “does not have a racist bone in his body.” Falwell’s appearance came after Democrats and Republicans alike criticized Trump for blaming “both sides” for the violence at the Virginia rally.

Trump also replied to a Twitter user who said the “fake news” media is trying to “take you down.” Trump said: “thank you, the very dishonest Fake News Media is out of control!”

Also see:Sen. Collins says it’s ‘too difficult to say’ if Trump will be 2020 Republican nominee.

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron wear special glasses to view the solar eclipse at the White House on Monday. Getty Images

THE TRUMPS WATCH THE ECLIPSE

Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron watched the solar eclipse from the Blue Room Balcony. The president put on viewing glasses and watched the eclipse for about 90 seconds, according to a White House pool report. When one reporter asked him, “How’s the view?” the president responded with a thumbs-up. He also briefly glanced directly at the sun, despite an aide shouting “Don’t look!”

Also read:A total eclipse of worker productivity on Monday will cost companies millions.

JOHNSON SWEARING-IN

Trump was scheduled to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Robert “Woody” Johnson as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, in the Oval Office. The president nominated the New York Jets owner — and veteran GOP fundraiser — to the post in June.

MORE TROOPS PLANNED AS PART OF AFGHANISTAN STRATEGY

Trump will give a nationally televised address at 9 p.m. Eastern on Afghanistan, unveiling his strategy for the long-running war there. The plan is expected to include sending as many as 4,000 more troops to the country, The Wall Street Journal wrote. He will deliver it from Fort Myer in Arlington, Va. As a candidate, Trump called for cutting the number of troops. But his military advisers and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson advised him he should boost troop levels to address a worsening security situation.

Also see:Trump to announce new strategy for U.S. in Afghanistan.