There has been a long-standing debate in the US over the tradition of moving clocks forward and backward twice every year. Some people find it convenient, while many consider it a big hassle. Both scientists and politicians have been giving their opinions about the disrupted sleep patterns, the hassle of changing the clock every six months and its effect on energy savings. Now two big personalities—former US President Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk—have come out openly in this debate.
Let us know what the political future of this debate over Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US can be.
Does Donald Trump want to end Daylight Saving Time?
Donald Trump posted on social media in December 2024, saying:
“The Republican Party will do everything possible to end Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong supporter base. But it shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient and expensive for our nation.”
However, shortly after this, in a press conference, he did not show much clear stance on this issue. When asked about taking a decision on Daylight Saving Time, he described it as an issue of “fifty-fifty,” i.e., an equal number of supporters and opponents.
“It is something I can do, but many people like it one way, and many like it the other way.”
This statement from Trump indicates that he is not fully committed to this issue yet, but he is seriously considering it.
What did Elon Musk do?
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also showed his interest in this debate. He conducted a poll on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and sought public opinion.
He asked the question that if Daylight Saving Time is abolished in the US, what would people want – to keep the time one hour ahead or behind?
More than 1.3 million people participated in this poll, in which 58% supported moving the time forward, while 42% advocated moving it back.
This poll by Elon Musk made it clear that public opinion is divided on this issue and it will not be easy to reach a single decision.
What is the status of this issue in the US Congress?
A proposal to permanently abolish daylight saving time has been brought to Congress before, but it never took the form of law.
It was approved by the Senate in 2022, but the bill could not be passed in the House of Representatives. In January 2025, Senators Rick Scott and Vern Buchanan have once again tried to get this law passed.
If this bill is passed, daylight saving time will be in force in the US throughout the year, and the tradition of changing the time every six months will end.
Have some US states already implemented it?
Florida is at the forefront of this matter. In 2018, this state passed a law called the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which determined that Florida would always be on daylight saving time and there would be no need to move the clock forward or backward.
However, this law needed federal government approval to be implemented effectively, which has not yet been received.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):
- Since 2015, 20 states have passed such laws, but they will only take effect if Congress approves the change.
- If approved by Congress, these states could implement daylight saving time all year round.
What does public opinion say about daylight saving time?
People in the US are divided into two parts regarding daylight saving time. Some people consider it a way to save energy and increase productivity, while some consider it just an unnecessary hassle.
Arguments in favor of Daylight Saving Time:
- It helps make the most of daylight.
- Power consumption can be reduced.
- Outdoor activities and businesses benefit from more light in the evening.
Arguments against Daylight Saving Time:
- Changing the clock every year disrupts sleep patterns.
- Some scientists consider it harmful to health.
- It is inconvenient for many industries, especially those that depend on time.
Will Trump implement this change?
Trump remains interested in this issue, but it is not clear whether he will include it in his political agenda. However, if Congress passes this law, Trump or any future president could be forced to implement it.
It will now be interesting to see what new updates come on this issue in the coming months. Will the US once again get rid of the tradition of “changing the clock,” or will this debate continue for the time being?
Conclusion
Daylight Saving Time has been a long-running debate in the US, and it has now become a part of the political debate.
- Trump is in favor of the change, but he is not fully committed to it.
- Elon Musk conducted a poll to know the public opinion, in which more people supported “moving the clock forward.”.
- Florida and 20 other states have tried to adopt this change, but the final decision is in the hands of Congress.
It will be interesting to see in the coming days whether Daylight Saving Time will truly become history or whether Americans will have to maintain the habit of setting their clocks twice a year!
FAQs
Q. Is Donald Trump in favor of ending Daylight Saving Time?
A. Trump initially supported eliminating DST but later called it a “fifty-fifty issue,” showing no firm commitment.
Q. What did Elon Musk say about Daylight Saving Time?
A. Elon Musk conducted a poll on X, where 58% of users preferred keeping time an hour later if DST were abolished.
Q. Has any U.S. state permanently adopted Daylight Saving Time?
A. Florida passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2018 to stay on DST year-round, but it needs federal approval.
Q. What is the status of the DST bill in Congress?
A. A new bill to make DST permanent has been introduced but struggles to gain enough support for passage.
Q. Why is Daylight Saving Time controversial?
A. Supporters say it saves energy and boosts productivity, while critics argue it disrupts sleep and causes health issues.