Trump has publicly expressed his desire to abolish daylight saving time (DST), categorizing it as "inconvenient" and "very costly" for American citizens. In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, he acknowledged the existence of a "small but strong constituency" supporting DST, but emphasized that it should not dictate policy decisions and pledged that his Republican administration would strive to eliminate it.
Daylight saving time involves adjusting clocks forward by one hour in spring and reverting back in fall to optimize natural daylight usage. It's practiced in about one-third of countries, including many across Europe, as reported by the Pew Research Center. In the US, however, the practice has been under scrutiny for quite some time. Advocates for standard time argue that it contributes to better health by enhancing morning daylight and promoting healthier sleep cycles due to darker evenings. Conversely, those favoring the permanence of DST assert that prolonged evening light would enhance safety during commutes, lower crime rates, conserve energy, and potentially save lives through the reduction of traffic accidents.
Interestingly, Trump's proposal is not the first endeavor aimed at modifying the longstanding tradition of clock changes in the United States. A 2022 bill aimed at establishing year-round daylight saving time gained momentum in the Democratic-controlled Senate, yet it ultimately did not reach President Joe Biden. Senator Marco Rubio, recognized for his efforts toward the Sunshine Protection Act, has recently been appointed by Trump as secretary of state for his incoming cabinet.
The practice of switching clocks in the United States dates back to World War I, initially intended to conserve energy. Although repealed post-war due to farmer discontent, DST made a comeback during World War II and became permanent with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, albeit allowing states the option to opt-out. Currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona refrain from participating in DST adjustments.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font, an academic at the London School of Economics, has indicated that DST adversely affects sleep and physical health, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and various mental health issues. Costa-i-Font’s findings suggest that scrapping DST could enhance economic productivity, estimating an annual economic gain of €754 (approximately $792 or £627) for each individual.
Some nations, including Mexico and Jordan, have ceased the practice of adjusting clocks while Turkey and Russia have permanently adopted a year-round DST model. A recent Monmouth University Poll highlights that roughly two-thirds of Americans favor the move to a permanent daylight saving time. The discussion continues as stakeholders weigh the economic, health, and safety implications of these time-related adjustments.
Daylight saving time involves adjusting clocks forward by one hour in spring and reverting back in fall to optimize natural daylight usage. It's practiced in about one-third of countries, including many across Europe, as reported by the Pew Research Center. In the US, however, the practice has been under scrutiny for quite some time. Advocates for standard time argue that it contributes to better health by enhancing morning daylight and promoting healthier sleep cycles due to darker evenings. Conversely, those favoring the permanence of DST assert that prolonged evening light would enhance safety during commutes, lower crime rates, conserve energy, and potentially save lives through the reduction of traffic accidents.
Interestingly, Trump's proposal is not the first endeavor aimed at modifying the longstanding tradition of clock changes in the United States. A 2022 bill aimed at establishing year-round daylight saving time gained momentum in the Democratic-controlled Senate, yet it ultimately did not reach President Joe Biden. Senator Marco Rubio, recognized for his efforts toward the Sunshine Protection Act, has recently been appointed by Trump as secretary of state for his incoming cabinet.
The practice of switching clocks in the United States dates back to World War I, initially intended to conserve energy. Although repealed post-war due to farmer discontent, DST made a comeback during World War II and became permanent with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, albeit allowing states the option to opt-out. Currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona refrain from participating in DST adjustments.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font, an academic at the London School of Economics, has indicated that DST adversely affects sleep and physical health, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and various mental health issues. Costa-i-Font’s findings suggest that scrapping DST could enhance economic productivity, estimating an annual economic gain of €754 (approximately $792 or £627) for each individual.
Some nations, including Mexico and Jordan, have ceased the practice of adjusting clocks while Turkey and Russia have permanently adopted a year-round DST model. A recent Monmouth University Poll highlights that roughly two-thirds of Americans favor the move to a permanent daylight saving time. The discussion continues as stakeholders weigh the economic, health, and safety implications of these time-related adjustments.
