Trump Reconsiders His Push to End Daylight Saving Time

Trump’s Stance on Daylight Saving Time: A Policy Reassessment

Donald Trump entered office with promises to roll back Biden administration policies, reassess international alliances, and bring an end to the long-standing practice of "springing forward" and "falling back" with daylight saving time (DST).

“Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” Trump stated on Truth Social in December, pledging that Republicans would work to eliminate the century-old practice. However, the issue has proven more politically complicated than expected. Win McNamee-Pool via Imagn Images

Public Opinion on Time Changes Remains Divided

While polls indicate broad opposition to time changes, there is little consensus on what should replace them. “I assume people would like to have more light later, but some people want to have more light earlier because they don’t want to take their kids to school in the dark,” Trump remarked on Thursday. “And it’s very much, it’s a little bit one way, but it’s very much a 50-50 issue.” Moose Photos / Pexels

Health and Productivity Concerns Drive Opposition to DST

The debate over DST has persisted for years, with advocates arguing that time shifts maximize sunlight exposure during work hours, while critics blame them for public health concerns, sleep disruption, and productivity losses. The discussion gained momentum in 2022 when the Senate unexpectedly passed a bill to make DST permanent, though some senators later admitted they weren’t aware of the vote. This spurred opposition from health organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), which warned of potential health risks, including obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The concept of “social jetlag” also emerged, suggesting that a permanent DST schedule could misalign people’s internal clocks. Chris / Pexels

Legislative Gridlock: Why Congress Has Yet to Act on DST Reform

The House ultimately stalled the measure, in part due to lobbying from health experts, whom some congressional aides jokingly referred to as "Big Sleep." Amy Kelbick, a former AASM lobbyist, highlighted the group’s efforts in Washington to oppose the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that aimed to make DST permanent.

President Biden, who has largely avoided weighing in on the matter, may have been influenced by his past experience. As a freshman senator in 1973, he supported a bill for permanent DST, only to witness a backlash from parents concerned about dark winter mornings. The policy was overturned after 10 months. Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Public Opinion on Daylight Saving Time Remains Divided

Public opinion remains split. A 2023 YouGov poll found that 33% of respondents favored permanent DST, 23% preferred year-round standard time, and 9% had no preference. The rest were undecided or supported maintaining the current system. Meanwhile, states such as Hawaii and most of Arizona continue to operate on permanent standard time, a choice available without congressional approval. However, states cannot adopt permanent DST unless Congress enacts legislation. Kendall Hoopes / Pexels

Musk, Ramaswamy Revive Daylight Saving Debate

The debate resurfaced in November when figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy suggested ending time changes as part of their efficiency-driven agenda. Trump echoed their sentiment weeks later, but his stance remained vague, allowing supporters of both DST and standard time to interpret his remarks in their favor. Justin Pacheco / Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Lawmakers and Experts Clash Over Best Alternative to Time Changes

“President Trump has been clear that he supports an end to our twice-annual clock changes, and I greatly appreciate his support,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida), a proponent of the Sunshine Protection Act. Conversely, neurologist Karin Johnson argued, “Year-round standard time aligns best with human circadian biology and is the superior option for overall health.” THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

Trump’s Support for Time Change Reform Wavers

The Trump administration’s broader health initiatives, including the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, have been leveraged by standard time advocates, who claim their proposal aligns with natural sunlight cycles and government efficiency goals.

Despite the ongoing battle, Trump appears less enthusiastic about the issue than before. While his previous administration supported permanent DST, his latest remarks signal reluctance to take a firm stance. “This should be the easiest one of all,” he recently commented, before admitting the nation remains divided. “If something is a 50-50 issue, it’s hard to get excited about it.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY