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Trump Plans to Abolish Daylight Saving Time: Who Stands to Gain or Lose?

By Jake Beardslee · December 18, 2024

Donald Trump has announced plans to abolish the practice of daylight saving time (DST), calling it "inconvenient" and "costly to our Nation." In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, the president-elect stated, "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t!"  Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This controversial move comes as Americans debate whether to make DST permanent or revert entirely to standard time. Originally introduced during World War I and again during World War II to conserve energy, the practice has faced increasing criticism in recent years. While proponents argue that longer daylight hours boost tourism and retail, health experts caution that the time change disrupts circadian rhythms, potentially leading to adverse health effects.  Moose Photos / Pexels

Historical Context and Legislative Efforts

The United States has a complicated history with daylight saving time. First implemented in 1918, the measure aimed to save energy during wartime. However, it was repealed after just one year due to widespread public dissatisfaction.  Stas Knop / Pexels

During World War II, DST returned, but its inconsistent application across states and municipalities created chaos. To address this, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, standardizing the biannual clock changes.  Stas Knop / Pexels

In 1973, amidst the oil crisis, President Richard Nixon signed a bill making DST permanent. Initially popular, the measure quickly lost support when dark winter mornings led to safety concerns, particularly for schoolchildren.  Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. U.S. Army Audiovisual Center / Wikimedia

Public opinion soured, and in 1974, President Gerald Ford signed legislation returning to the current system of alternating between standard and daylight saving time.  Thomas J. O'Halloran / Wikimedia

Recent years have seen renewed interest in reforming DST. Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan proposal to make DST permanent, has stalled in Congress. Meanwhile, many states have passed legislation calling for an end to the clock changes, pending federal approval.  Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If Trump’s initiative leads to permanent daylight saving time, several sectors may stand to benefit:  JASON BEAN/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tourism

Longer daylight hours could extend tourism seasons. Kurt Janson, policy director at the U.K.’s Tourism Alliance, estimated that Britain’s tourism industry could gain £3.5 billion annually if DST were made permanent. The U.S. tourism industry could see similar boosts, with more visitors enjoying monuments and attractions during extended daylight hours.  Oleksandr P / Pexels

Retail

Retailers also stand to gain, as consumers tend to shop more when evenings are brighter. A 2016 study by the JPMorgan Chase Institute found that consumer spending dropped 2.2% to 4.9% after the switch back to standard time.  Borko Manigoda / Pexels

Stock Market

Wall Street has shown better performance during DST. According to Bespoke Investment Group, the S&P 500 gained an average of 7.5% during DST periods from 2007 to 2022, compared to just 2% during standard time. While correlation doesn’t imply causation, traders and investors may appreciate the improved mood associated with brighter evenings.  Mizuno K / Pexels

Despite these benefits, health experts and certain groups have raised significant concerns:  Cats Coming / Pexels

Health Impacts

Medical professionals argue that standard time better aligns with human circadian rhythms. Studies have linked DST to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, workplace injuries, and traffic accidents. An analysis by Chmura Economics & Analytics estimated the annual economic cost of DST at $672 million due to these health impacts.  Miguel Á. Padriñán / Pexels

Morning Commuters and Safety

The last experiment with permanent DST revealed safety risks. During the winter months, late sunrises meant many children commuted to school in darkness, leading to several fatalities. These safety concerns ultimately drove public backlash against the measure in the 1970s.  cottonbro studio / Pexels

Economic and Social Implications

Trump’s proposal to abolish DST has both economic and social ramifications. While sectors like tourism and retail may see gains, the potential health costs and public safety concerns cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the debate reflects broader societal preferences, with some prioritizing convenience and economic benefits, while others emphasize health and safety.  Stas Knop / Pexels

The move would also require Congressional action. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate in 2025, the legislative pathway may be smoother than in previous years. However, the lack of consensus among health experts, economists, and the public complicates the issue.  Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

Polling data suggests that many Americans prefer permanent daylight saving time. However, public sentiment has shifted before, as seen during the Nixon administration’s attempt at year-round DST. Whether Trump’s proposal will succeed depends on both public reaction and the ability of Congress to navigate competing interests.  White House Photo Office / Wikimedia