President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to push for the elimination of daylight saving time (DST), describing it as “inconvenient and very costly to our Nation.” In a statement shared on social media Friday, Trump confirmed that the Republican Party would work to end the twice-yearly clock changes that have sparked growing debate nationwide.
Daylight saving time, which adjusts clocks an hour forward in spring and back in fall, has been widely implemented in the U.S. since the 1960s. While intended to make better use of daylight during summer months, the policy has faced increasing criticism in recent years. Trump’s call aligns with growing bipartisan efforts to reform or abolish the practice entirely.
Congressional action on the issue has stalled. In March 2022, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to make DST permanent, but the measure faltered in the House due to lack of consensus. A bipartisan group of senators renewed the push earlier this year but has seen no further progress.
Supporters of permanent DST argue it would result in brighter winter afternoons and boost economic activity, while critics warn it would delay sunrise and force children to travel to school in darkness. Those in favor of eliminating DST altogether highlight its links to sleep disturbances, health risks, and energy inefficiency.
Historically, the U.S. has experimented with permanent DST during World War II and in 1973 amid an oil crisis, but public backlash led to its repeal. Since 2015, over 30 states have passed or introduced legislation to end the clock changes, often conditional on regional agreement.
Trump’s stance injects new momentum into the debate, which has been dormant in Congress for over two years. Whether the issue advances in the new administration remains to be seen.
