Donald Trump is reigniting a national debate with his push to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, calling it a popular fix Congress should finally act on.
At a Glance
- Trump calls for permanent Daylight Saving Time, labeling time changes costly and unpopular
- Senate hearing, “If I Could Turn Back Time,” underscores legislative gridlock
- Supporters cite economic and lifestyle perks of more evening daylight
- Critics, including sleep experts, warn of health risks and regional disparities
- Federal law blocks permanent DST without congressional action
Trump’s Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Donald Trump has resurfaced an old fight in Washington—this time over the clock. The former president is urging Congress to pass legislation making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, claiming widespread public support and blasting the twice-yearly time change as a pointless, costly tradition.
“Ok, are you ready? So, this should be the easiest one of all, but it’s a 50-50 issue,” Trump told reporters, acknowledging the divisiveness of the issue. “And if something’s a 50-50 issue, it’s hard to get excited about it.”
Watch NewsNation’s report on the renewed Daylight Saving Time debate.
Supporters of permanent DST argue it encourages outdoor activity, boosts consumer spending, and could even lead to modest energy savings. Critics, however, are quick to point out that darker mornings pose challenges, especially for children heading to school or commuters driving during early hours.
Mixed Messages in the Senate
Congress has been here before. The Senate recently hosted a hearing titled “If I Could Turn Back Time,” a nod to both Cher and the cyclical nature of this debate. Lawmakers heard testimony ranging from economists to health experts, and the topic, while sometimes light-hearted, underscored serious concerns.
Indiana Senator Todd Young warned that a universal policy could unfairly impact states in the Midwest and West. “Hoosiers would begin their day in darkness for much of winter,” Young said, pointing out that what suits the East Coast may not work nationwide. He added that time policy should reflect local realities rather than a one-size-fits-all federal rule.
Sleep researchers also weighed in—many of whom favor permanent Standard Time instead of DST. Their rationale: the body’s circadian rhythms align more naturally with sunrise, and maintaining that alignment promotes better health and mental clarity.
Legal and Legislative Roadblocks
Currently, federal law prevents states from adopting permanent DST without congressional approval. While states like Florida, California, and Washington have already passed local legislation to observe DST year-round, none can implement it without federal authorization.
Trump, frustrated by the lack of progress, took to his Truth Social platform to reiterate his position. “The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day,” he posted. “Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!!”
Despite bipartisan interest and several bills introduced over the years—including the Sunshine Protection Act championed by Sen. Marco Rubio—the legislation has repeatedly stalled in committee or failed to reach a full vote. With Congress gridlocked, the ritual of springing forward and falling back continues, twice a year, as millions groan and adjust their sleep schedules.
Whether Trump’s renewed focus can galvanize real change remains uncertain. But for now, the debate endures, as the nation once again ticks closer to another time shift with no end in sight.
