Trump Wants To Eliminate Changing Clocks

President Trump is once again pushing the Senate to end the twice-yearly clock change, but his proposal is running into resistance from some Republicans who warn that permanent daylight saving time could create problems during the winter months.

Trump called on senators Saturday to move quickly on the “No More Changing the Clocks Act,” referring to the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025. He argued that Americans should have more daylight later in the day and said changing clocks and watches twice a year creates unnecessary “disruption and chaos.” He also suggested that keeping more sunlight in the evening could help with crime.

The House passed the legislation last month by a 308-117 vote. The bill, introduced by retiring Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), would establish daylight saving time as the permanent standard nationwide.

The proposal would not immediately require most of Arizona or Hawaii to begin observing daylight saving time, since those areas currently do not change their clocks twice a year. However, the legislation would eliminate the existing federal exemption, while allowing individual states to opt out if they act before the measure takes effect.

Trump has been urging the Senate to take up the legislation for weeks, although senators are currently away from Washington and are not scheduled to return until Sept. 14.

The president’s push has not received universal support within his own party. Several Republican senators have raised concerns about what permanent daylight saving time would mean for communities that already experience extremely late sunrises during the winter.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), the third-ranking Republican in the Senate, recently said he understands why Americans dislike changing their clocks but believes lawmakers need to consider the consequences beyond the immediate appeal of having more evening sunlight.

Cotton pointed specifically to parts of Arkansas, where permanent daylight saving time could mean the sun would not rise until after 8 a.m. during the coldest months of the year. He contrasted that with states such as Florida, where later sunsets may be more appealing.

There is also a historical precedent behind Cotton’s concerns. Congress previously established year-round daylight saving time in 1973, but the experiment did not last. Lawmakers repealed the measure the following year after concerns grew about its impact, including safety issues involving children traveling to school before sunrise.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has also expressed reservations. Thune said he voted against a similar proposal in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee because permanent daylight saving time could produce very late winter sunrises in South Dakota.

The biggest question may now be whether supporters can secure enough votes in the Senate to overcome a potential filibuster. Thune acknowledged that it remains unclear whether the proposal has the 60 votes necessary to advance.

For Trump, the issue represents another attempt to turn a popular frustration with changing clocks into a legislative win. But with Republican senators divided over what permanent daylight saving time would actually mean for their states, his latest demand for a vote may face a tougher road than expected.