Why Trump Stared At The Eclipse: Viral Photos & Reactions!

Prof. Hunter Sawayn 11 May 2025

Did you ever imagine a former President becoming a meme for staring directly at the sun during a solar eclipse? Donald Trump's 2017 solar eclipse viewing is a moment etched in internet infamy, a blend of political spectacle and public health advisory gone awry.

The incident occurred on August 21, 2017, during a total solar eclipse that captivated North America. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and their son Barron, observed the celestial event from the Truman Balcony of the White House. While the occasion was meant to be a moment of national unity and scientific appreciation, it quickly devolved into a source of controversy and amusement when the President was photographed glancing at the sun without protective eyewear. Despite numerous warnings from experts and even shouted cautions from an aide, Trump briefly looked directly at the sun, defying the universally accepted safety guidelines.

The image of President Trump gazing skyward sans eclipse glasses swiftly went viral, sparking a wave of memes, jokes, and critical commentary across social media platforms. The incident was seen by many as a symbol of Trump's disregard for expert advice and his penchant for impulsive behavior. It also reignited debates about the importance of scientific literacy and responsible public leadership. Even years later, the photo continues to resurface, particularly during subsequent eclipses, serving as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols. As another eclipse graced the skies in April 2024, the image was once again circulated widely, prompting renewed discussions about the 2017 event and its lasting impact on public perception.

The event also drew criticism from medical professionals, including ophthalmologists, who emphasized the potential for serious eye damage from looking directly at the sun without proper protection. The incident underscored the need for clear and consistent public health messaging, especially during widely observed events like solar eclipses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and other organizations reiterated their recommendations for safe viewing practices, urging individuals to use certified solar filters or projection methods to avoid retinal burns and other forms of ocular injury.

Hillary Clinton, Trump's opponent in the 2016 presidential election, even shared the infamous photo on social media platform X, further amplifying the criticism and highlighting the contrast between Trump's actions and responsible behavior. The image served as a political jab, reminding voters of what Clinton's supporters viewed as a moment of reckless disregard for personal safety. Clinton paired the photo with a previous post advising against taking medical advice from Trump, adding a layer of political commentary to the already viral image.

In the wake of the 2017 incident, public awareness campaigns were intensified to promote safe eclipse viewing practices. Organizations like NASA and the National Science Foundation partnered with schools, libraries, and community groups to distribute educational materials and certified solar filters. These efforts aimed to ensure that future eclipses would be observed safely and responsibly, with a focus on protecting the public from preventable eye damage.

Interestingly, Donald Trump himself alluded to the solar eclipse in a campaign video shared on Truth Social. The video featured Trump's head superimposed on the moon, blocking out the sun, in a playful nod to the 2017 event. The campaign ad was seen by some as an attempt to capitalize on the notoriety of the eclipse incident, while others viewed it as a lighthearted self-parody. Regardless, the video generated further discussion and amplified the ongoing interest in Trump's relationship with the solar eclipse.

Canadian safety standards expert Dr. Chou played a significant role in promoting the use of safety glasses during the eclipse. According to Dr. Chou, it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun during an eclipse without protective eyewear.

Beyond the immediate reactions and public health concerns, the 2017 trump solar eclipse viewing became a significant moment in the broader cultural landscape. It highlighted the power of social media to amplify and dissect public events, transforming a seemingly minor incident into a global phenomenon. It also underscored the challenges of communicating scientific information in an era of political polarization and misinformation. The legacy of the incident continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the intersection of politics, science, and public perception in the modern age.

As millions of Americans geared up to witness the solar eclipse on a recent monday, the memory of Trump's 2017 gaffe resurfaced, prompting widespread discussion and reflection on the importance of responsible observation. The event served as a potent reminder of the need to prioritize safety and heed expert advice, even in moments of awe and excitement. The tale of Donald Trump and the solar eclipse remains a vivid example of how a single, seemingly trivial action can capture the public imagination and spark lasting conversations.

President Donald Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump and their son Barron, watched the eclipse from the White House balcony. The press was on deck to capture the moment, with photos quickly circulating online.

Former President Donald Trump alluded to the solar eclipse in a new campaign video shared late sunday night on Truth Social. The video showed people appearing to view a solar phenomenon.

Browse various images available of Donald Trump and the solar eclipse, or explore more photos and images to delve deeper into the event.

The moment was so iconically idiotic that it became a meme, potentially influencing even figures like Taylor Swift.

Hillary Clinton posted the photo on X, showing Trump looking directly at the sun during the eclipse without wearing protective glasses. The photo was taken during the White House viewing event in August 2017 when Trump was president.

The 2017 incident occurred as the solar eclipse made its way across the continent, arriving at the White House. The president was spotted briefly watching the total solar eclipse without protective solar filter glasses.

The administration faced unwelcome setbacks when the president glanced at the sun without protection, raising concerns about potential retinal damage.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watched the eclipse, captured in various photos and images.

Donald Trump held a rally at the Ellipse on January 6, 2021, the same day a mob of his supporters rioted at the U.S. Capitol, while Congress was certifying the 2020 election in which Trump lost.

Standing on the White House balcony, Trump pointed at the sky and looked directly into the sun without eclipse glasses, despite them being provided.

Authentic images of Trump during the eclipse are available for various projects and campaigns.

Washington, United States Of America. 21st Aug, 2017. Ivanka Trump

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Why Trump Stared At The Eclipse: Viral Photos & Reactions!

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