The News
Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Republicans would work to eliminate daylight saving time, calling it “inconvenient” and “costly.” The statement, made on Truth Social, comes as the long-standing debate over the twice-annual clock changes remains unresolved in Congress.
“The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” Trump wrote.
While Trump did not specify whether he supports making daylight saving time or standard time permanent, his remarks may bring renewed attention to a topic that has divided lawmakers and citizens for years.
A Century-Old Practice
Daylight saving time (DST) was first introduced in the United States in 1918 during President Woodrow Wilson’s administration. The goal was to conserve energy during World War I by shifting more daylight to evening hours.
It became a widespread practice in the 1960s, with most U.S. states adopting it to take advantage of longer summer days. However, not all states participate. Hawaii and most of Arizona, along with several U.S. territories, remain on standard time year-round.
The Legislative Battle
Efforts to reform daylight saving time are not new. Over the years, lawmakers have introduced numerous bills proposing either the permanent adoption of daylight saving time or a year-round standard time. However, these proposals have struggled to gain enough bipartisan support to pass both the House and Senate.
Supporters of daylight saving time argue that it provides more daylight in the evening, which encourages outdoor activities, reduces crime rates, and can boost mental well-being. In contrast, critics warn that darker winter mornings can pose safety risks, particularly for schoolchildren.
In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which sought to make daylight saving time permanent. However, the legislation stalled in the House of Representatives, leaving the issue unresolved.
The Arguments: A Nation Divided
The debate over daylight saving time centers on the trade-offs between morning and evening sunlight, with both sides presenting strong arguments.
Supporters of permanent daylight saving time say it would:
Provide longer daylight hours in the evening, benefiting outdoor activities and businesses.
Reduce energy consumption by decreasing the need for artificial lighting in the evening.
Improve mental health by reducing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can be worsened by shorter daylight hours.
Critics of daylight saving time argue that:
The time change disrupts sleep patterns, leading to potential health risks, including heart attacks and car accidents.
Darker mornings in the winter could create safety hazards for children walking or waiting for school buses in the dark.
Permanent standard time may better align with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, improving overall well-being.
What's Next?
Trump’s announcement signals potential momentum for renewed legislative efforts, but his position remains ambiguous. It is unclear whether he supports permanent daylight saving time, which would eliminate the need to "fall back" in autumn, or permanent standard time, which would maintain consistent early morning daylight throughout the year.
The Republican Party and lawmakers across the aisle will need to weigh public opinion, economic implications, and safety concerns as they consider potential reforms.
For now, most Americans will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year, waiting to see if this debate leads to tangible change. As lawmakers revisit the issue, the question remains: Is it time to stop changing the clock for good?
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