A serious debate is unfolding within the Republican Party following President-elect Trump’s recent comments on the elimination of daylight saving time, creating divisions among GOP lawmakers regarding their preferred approach to timekeeping. Trump stirred the pot on this long-standing issue Friday, leaving many legislators surprised and uncertain about his stance.
Supporters of permanent standard time, advocating for more daylight in the mornings, clash with those who prefer year-round daylight saving time, which offers more evening light. Each faction believes that Trump aligns with their viewpoint.
GOP debates daylight saving time as Trump surprises lawmakers with his stance
“I’m confused,” expressed Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), a strong advocate for the Sunshine Protection Act aimed at making daylight saving time permanent while allowing states the option to revert to standard time. “I think he just doesn’t want the clocks to go back and forth.”
In a social media post, Trump committed to using Republican resources to eliminate daylight saving time, which he described as inconvenient and costly to the nation, despite its small but dedicated support base. Daylight saving time runs from March to November each year.
Steube mentioned he has not had the chance to discuss the issue directly with Trump but referenced the former president’s past support for maintaining daylight saving time as the year-round standard.
In 2018, Florida enacted a law to observe daylight saving time permanently, resulting in later sunrises but extended daylight in the evenings. However, congressional approval is necessary to implement this change, as the Uniform Time Act only permits states to opt out of daylight saving time, exemplified by Arizona’s year-round standard time. Some GOP members, who favor permanent standard time, interpreted Trump’s remarks as an endorsement of their position.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) stated on social media that making standard time permanent is the only logical solution to halt the biannual clock changes and expressed his willingness to collaborate with Trump on this issue. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) recounted the public backlash and safety concerns from the 1970s when permanent daylight saving time was briefly adopted.
“When we switched to permanent daylight saving time, it created safety issues for people who had to leave for work in complete darkness for much of the year,” Wicker explained, noting that northern states were particularly against the change. Requests for clarification from Trump’s spokespersons on his position have gone unanswered.
Earlier this month, “Department of Government Efficiency” leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy proposed an end to clock changes, labeling them “annoying” and “inefficient,” though they did not specify which time standard they preferred.
The intensity of the debate has led to internal conflicts among Republicans, especially concerning the ski and golf industries, which are both supported by affluent interests and political figures.
“One of the greatest joys of golf is enjoying those long summer evenings. Eliminating daylight saving time would mean fewer opportunities for evening rounds, while the ski industry favors earlier starts,” remarked one anonymous GOP member. “How do we balance these competing interests? The simplest answer is to maintain the status quo.”
Competing interests between health and commerce are also at play. The National Association of Convenience Stores advocated for year-round daylight saving time in 2022, citing the positive impact of extra daylight on business.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has pushed for permanent standard time, arguing that extended evening light disrupts natural sleep patterns. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has long championed the idea of making daylight saving time permanent, having led the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate for several years.
Farmers voice concerns as Nebraska’s time debate drags on for over a decade
His efforts gained unexpected traction nearly three years ago when he secured unanimous consent for the bill, catching bipartisan leaders off guard. Wicker previously raised objections but ultimately decided against pursuing them, believing the legislation would not succeed. The House did not advance the bill.
“The time change negatively affects people’s moods,” Wicker stated. “I find that troubling, particularly for children. However, the answer is not to adopt permanent daylight saving time.”
Trump’s comments have left some legislators perplexed, particularly those who believed he shared their viewpoint. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is set to chair the Commerce Committee, shared Trump’s remarks on social media, expressing a commitment to prioritize the issue.
The Texas senator indicated his support for permanent daylight saving time, assuming Trump was aligned with this perspective. “I didn’t realize there was a discrepancy in his views,” Cruz admitted.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who endorsed the legislation for year-round daylight saving time during his tenure as Florida’s governor, expressed uncertainty about Trump’s position. Several senators have suggested that it may not matter which time standard is chosen as long as a decision is made.
“I don’t have a preference, but I believe we should select a time zone and stick with it,” Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) commented. “This topic has been under discussion in Nebraska for over a decade, causing complications for our farmers and ranchers. Animals adapt to routines, just like humans, and altering these routines adds stress.”
Incoming House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) noted the ongoing discussions among colleagues, particularly from those favoring later evening light. “We will definitely hold a hearing on this matter,” Guthrie said. For some Republicans hoping for sweeping changes in Washington next year, the issue of timekeeping isn’t a priority.
Others, like Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), seemed indifferent and chuckled when asked about the debate, hoping it won’t become an intra-party political issue. “I hope it doesn’t turn into a litmus test for conservatism,” he remarked.
