In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has announced his plans to abolish daylight saving time (DST), describing it as "inconvenient" and "very costly" for many Americans. Trump shared his views on his social media platform, Truth Social, advocating for a shift away from this traditional time change that affects millions.
Daylight saving time, a practice that involves advancing the clock by one hour in spring and reversing it in autumn, was designed to maximize daylight usage. It remains in effect in approximately a third of the planet’s nations, including much of Europe. However, this system has faced criticism over the years, especially in the United States, where a growing faction argues for its end.
Proponents of maintaining standard time argue that having extra morning daylight improves health and can enhance sleep quality by creating a more regular sleep schedule during darker evenings. Conversely, supporters of permanent DST assert that extended evening daylight can lead to reduced crime rates, energy conservation, and fewer traffic accidents, contributing to an improved economy overall.
This isn’t the first time attempts have been made to change or abolish DST in the U.S. The Sunshine Protection Act, backed by Senator Marco Rubio, which sought to establish a permanent daylight-saving schedule, was passed in the Senate but never progressed to a presidential signature during the Biden administration. Notably, Rubio has been chosen by Trump for the position of secretary of state in his incoming administration.
Historically, the U.S. instituted daylight saving time in 1918 during World War One to save fuel. It faced opposition from farmers and was temporarily discarded but returned during World War Two. The practice became permanent in 1966, giving states the option to opt out — with Hawaii and most of Arizona currently choosing not to observe it.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font of the London School of Economics suggests that ending DST could offer health benefits and enhance productivity, potentially increasing economic output significantly per individual on a yearly basis. This sentiment is further echoed in a Monmouth University poll, which shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans favor the idea of making daylight saving time permanent.
As discussions heat up around the future of timekeeping in the U.S., Trump’s stance may shape the narrative on this long-standing issue. With the topic under scrutiny, the public awaits the developments and decisions stemming from incentives both for health and economic prosperity.
Daylight saving time, a practice that involves advancing the clock by one hour in spring and reversing it in autumn, was designed to maximize daylight usage. It remains in effect in approximately a third of the planet’s nations, including much of Europe. However, this system has faced criticism over the years, especially in the United States, where a growing faction argues for its end.
Proponents of maintaining standard time argue that having extra morning daylight improves health and can enhance sleep quality by creating a more regular sleep schedule during darker evenings. Conversely, supporters of permanent DST assert that extended evening daylight can lead to reduced crime rates, energy conservation, and fewer traffic accidents, contributing to an improved economy overall.
This isn’t the first time attempts have been made to change or abolish DST in the U.S. The Sunshine Protection Act, backed by Senator Marco Rubio, which sought to establish a permanent daylight-saving schedule, was passed in the Senate but never progressed to a presidential signature during the Biden administration. Notably, Rubio has been chosen by Trump for the position of secretary of state in his incoming administration.
Historically, the U.S. instituted daylight saving time in 1918 during World War One to save fuel. It faced opposition from farmers and was temporarily discarded but returned during World War Two. The practice became permanent in 1966, giving states the option to opt out — with Hawaii and most of Arizona currently choosing not to observe it.
Research from Joan Costa-i-Font of the London School of Economics suggests that ending DST could offer health benefits and enhance productivity, potentially increasing economic output significantly per individual on a yearly basis. This sentiment is further echoed in a Monmouth University poll, which shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans favor the idea of making daylight saving time permanent.
As discussions heat up around the future of timekeeping in the U.S., Trump’s stance may shape the narrative on this long-standing issue. With the topic under scrutiny, the public awaits the developments and decisions stemming from incentives both for health and economic prosperity.
