Here are the best Twitter reactions to Trump looking directly into the eclipse

Blinded by the eclipse? Fake news

Published August 21, 2017 4:58PM (EDT)

Donald Trump points to the sun as he arrives to view the solar eclipse. (AP/Andrew Harnik)
Donald Trump points to the sun as he arrives to view the solar eclipse. (AP/Andrew Harnik)

If you couldn't resist the temptation to get a glimpse at today's solar eclipse without protective glasses on, you're insane — but you're also not alone. NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. posted a video on Instagram of him staring directly at the cosmic event.

In much less surprising news, Donald J. Trump — the 45th president of the United States — went against all general scientific advice and the direct, personal warnings of his staff and stared at the eclipse with his unprotected eyes like a proud and stubborn five-year-old child.

While watching the eclipse with members of his family and administration, Trump joyously raised two thumbs up when asked his opinion of the eclipse, later mouthing the word "beautiful" to a group of reporters outside of the White House. In Trumpian fashion, the elected leader of the free world then took off his eclipse-watching glasses to take a peek of the cosmic event, this despite the fact that NASA scientists have strongly urged otherwise.

"The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as 'eclipse glasses' or hand-held solar viewers," NASA said in a guide for viewing the eclipse safely. "Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun."

Despite these warnings — and the advice from an aide who shouted "Don't look" as he took his glasses off — Trump risked it all, not once, but twice. Such is the bold, risk-taking spirit of the man this nation saw fit to make its leader. He stole two quick glances at the cosmic event before the national press (and, thus, the world), allowing those who use social media room for comment.

Though Trump disregarded all health warnings against looking at the eclipse without wearing the proper eyewear, there is no suggestion from the White House that he has gone blind and will spend the rest of his presidency stumbling around the East Wing, refusing to use a cane or guide out of sheer pride.

 


By Alessandra Maldonado

Alessandra Maldonado is an editorial intern at Salon. You can find her on Twitter at @alessamberr

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Donald Trump Melania Trump Moon North American Eclipse Science Solar Eclipse Sun Total Eclipse Trump Twitter