With the controversy over daylight saving time (DST) continuing to grip the United States, former President Donald Trump has explicitly stated his desire to terminate this biannual clock-changing ritual. He characterized DST as "very costly" and “inconvenient” for the American populace, rallying support for his Republican party to work towards its cessation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged that while DST has a "small but strong constituency," he believes these arguments are not compelling enough to justify its continuation. Currently, only about one-third of the world's countries observe DST, with most nations in Europe participating. In contrast, many Americans have expressed their desire to abolish the practice.
Advocates for maintaining standard time argue it is beneficial for health—citing that the extra morning light improves sleep patterns and overall well-being, particularly during darker evenings. Opponents of standard time, however, argue for making DST permanent, contending that additional daylight in the evenings would enhance safety, reduce energy consumption, and lower road accident rates.
This proposal is not the first time DST has faced scrutiny in legislative arenas. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make daylight saving time a permanent fixture, garnered support in the Democratic-controlled Senate in 2022 but ultimately stalled before reaching President Biden's desk. Since then, Trump has appointed Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal supporter of this measure, as Secretary of State in his incoming administration.
Historically, the United States adopted DST during World War I in a bid to conserve resources. After being repealed, it returned in World War II and became permanent in 1966, allowing states to decide their participation. Hawaii and most of Arizona opted out of these seasonal clock changes.
Research conducted by Joan Costa-i-Font, a London School of Economics professor, indicates that the adverse effects of DST extend beyond inconvenience—impacting sleep quality, mental health, and productivity. Costa-i-Font claims an end to DST could potentially boost economic output by €754 (approximately $792) annually per person.
Around the world, countries like Mexico and Jordan recently abandoned the practice, whereas others such as Turkey and Russia have opted for a permanent DST approach in response to modern needs.
Surveys, including a Monmouth University Poll, reveal that roughly two-thirds of Americans favor making daylight saving time a permanent change, highlighting an ongoing debate with implications for health, safety, and economy across the nation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged that while DST has a "small but strong constituency," he believes these arguments are not compelling enough to justify its continuation. Currently, only about one-third of the world's countries observe DST, with most nations in Europe participating. In contrast, many Americans have expressed their desire to abolish the practice.
Advocates for maintaining standard time argue it is beneficial for health—citing that the extra morning light improves sleep patterns and overall well-being, particularly during darker evenings. Opponents of standard time, however, argue for making DST permanent, contending that additional daylight in the evenings would enhance safety, reduce energy consumption, and lower road accident rates.
This proposal is not the first time DST has faced scrutiny in legislative arenas. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make daylight saving time a permanent fixture, garnered support in the Democratic-controlled Senate in 2022 but ultimately stalled before reaching President Biden's desk. Since then, Trump has appointed Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal supporter of this measure, as Secretary of State in his incoming administration.
Historically, the United States adopted DST during World War I in a bid to conserve resources. After being repealed, it returned in World War II and became permanent in 1966, allowing states to decide their participation. Hawaii and most of Arizona opted out of these seasonal clock changes.
Research conducted by Joan Costa-i-Font, a London School of Economics professor, indicates that the adverse effects of DST extend beyond inconvenience—impacting sleep quality, mental health, and productivity. Costa-i-Font claims an end to DST could potentially boost economic output by €754 (approximately $792) annually per person.
Around the world, countries like Mexico and Jordan recently abandoned the practice, whereas others such as Turkey and Russia have opted for a permanent DST approach in response to modern needs.
Surveys, including a Monmouth University Poll, reveal that roughly two-thirds of Americans favor making daylight saving time a permanent change, highlighting an ongoing debate with implications for health, safety, and economy across the nation.
