In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate daylight saving time (DST), deeming it "inconvenient" and "very costly" for U.S. citizens. This declaration came via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump highlighted that while DST enjoys a "small but strong constituency," he believes it should not continue, advocating for his Republican Party to champion the end of this enduring practice.
Daylight saving time involves advancing the clock by one hour in spring and reverting it in autumn to maximize daylight usage. It's observed in about a third of countries globally, particularly in Europe. However, a segment of the American population has long called for an end to the tradition. Proponents of maintaining standard time argue it fosters better health due to increased morning light, positing that the shift can disrupt sleep patterns and adversely affect individuals' rhythms.
In contrast, advocates for permanent daylight saving time argue that extended evening daylight can promote safety by reducing crime and lowering traffic accidents. This faction claims that both approaches could foster economic improvements.
Trump’s move is not an anomaly; the conversation around altering DST has been ongoing in the United States. A notable attempt was made through the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act, supported by Rubio, which sought to make DST permanent. Despite passing through the Democratic-led Senate, it never reached President Biden's desk, and Rubio has since been named Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State.
Historically, the United States implemented seasonal clock changes during World War I (1918) to conserve energy, but following backlash from farmers, it was rescinded. It re-emerged during World War II, gaining permanence in 1966, with the allowance for states to opt out. Notably, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in the DST practice.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font at the London School of Economics suggests that DST has negative implications on sleep and mental health, translating to potential economic benefits by eliminating the practice—estimated at €754 ($792; £627) per capita annually.
Countries like Mexico and Jordan have already phased out daylight saving time, while others like Turkey and Russia have transitioned to a permanent DST stance in recent years. A recent Monmouth University Poll indicated substantial public support in the U.S. for making daylight saving time a permanent arrangement, with about two-thirds of respondents in favor of such a change.
Daylight saving time involves advancing the clock by one hour in spring and reverting it in autumn to maximize daylight usage. It's observed in about a third of countries globally, particularly in Europe. However, a segment of the American population has long called for an end to the tradition. Proponents of maintaining standard time argue it fosters better health due to increased morning light, positing that the shift can disrupt sleep patterns and adversely affect individuals' rhythms.
In contrast, advocates for permanent daylight saving time argue that extended evening daylight can promote safety by reducing crime and lowering traffic accidents. This faction claims that both approaches could foster economic improvements.
Trump’s move is not an anomaly; the conversation around altering DST has been ongoing in the United States. A notable attempt was made through the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act, supported by Rubio, which sought to make DST permanent. Despite passing through the Democratic-led Senate, it never reached President Biden's desk, and Rubio has since been named Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State.
Historically, the United States implemented seasonal clock changes during World War I (1918) to conserve energy, but following backlash from farmers, it was rescinded. It re-emerged during World War II, gaining permanence in 1966, with the allowance for states to opt out. Notably, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in the DST practice.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font at the London School of Economics suggests that DST has negative implications on sleep and mental health, translating to potential economic benefits by eliminating the practice—estimated at €754 ($792; £627) per capita annually.
Countries like Mexico and Jordan have already phased out daylight saving time, while others like Turkey and Russia have transitioned to a permanent DST stance in recent years. A recent Monmouth University Poll indicated substantial public support in the U.S. for making daylight saving time a permanent arrangement, with about two-thirds of respondents in favor of such a change.
