The infamous image of President Donald Trump staring directly into the sun during the 2017 solar eclipse has resurfaced - thanks to his own White House - nearly a decade later as another solar eclipse captivated viewers across the U.S. and U.K.
The White House shared the memorable image Wednesday afternoon as millions of people witnessed a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes in front of the sun, creating a bright ring of light around the lunar surface.
People wear solar filters or “eclipse glasses” when taking in the spectacle, since looking straight at the sun, especially during an eclipse, can damage the eyes. Looking at the sun is unsafe except during a brief period of totality, when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s light.
However, that didn’t stop Trump from staring directly at the sky during the August 21, 2017, eclipse.
Trump, who was watching the rare spectacle from the Blue Room Balcony at the White House, was pictured leaning back and looking up at the sky with his eyes uncovered and squinting.
The president, then 71, reportedly gesticulated to a crowd of administration staffers gathered below the balcony and pointed to the sky. As he looked up, one of his White House aides then shouted, “Don’t look!” according to a White House pool report from the day.
The moment was immediately dragged on social media — and Trump continued to be trolled and made fun of for it for years to come, as the image resurfacing again in 2024 during another solar eclipse.
The White House’s resharing of the image Wednesday was immediately mocked yet again — while some even shamed the administration for sharing the image, as it may encourage others to participate in the dangerous activity.
“Unlike Trump, Do NOT look directly at the Sun during any phase of a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Even a few seconds of unprotected viewing can cause solar retinopathy, permanent damage to the retina,” wrote liberal social media influencer Ed Krassenstein.
“This TWEET is irresponsible and dangerous,” he added.
“The president of the United States is promoting an act that can cause blindness as if it’s a troll. Think about who the intended audience is that might find this amusing. None of them recognize how humiliating this is for America,” another social media user noted.
Others found some humor in the messaging from the White House.
“The White House quote-tweeting NASA with a photo of him ignoring NASA is the whole second term in one image,” one X user wrote.
“Great point that he’s an idiot,” another X user chimed in.
Another social media user simply noted: “Generally not a good idea to try and blind your own supporters.”
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