In a bold move, President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to eliminate daylight saving time (DST) in the United States, calling it “useless and costly.”
This time change, which has been practiced across much of the country since the 1960s, involves moving clocks forward by one hour during the summer months to make better use of natural daylight.
If Trump’s plan comes to fruition, DST could become a thing of the past by 2025, with the shift likely happening once he officially takes office in January.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time was introduced with the goal of saving energy by using daylight more efficiently.
The idea was simple: by moving the clock one hour ahead during the warmer months, people could make the most of the daylight in the evening, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption.
Initially, the practice was embraced by many, and it became widely used in the United States in the early 20th century. But over the years, as society has evolved, daylight saving time has faced increasing criticism.
Health Concerns and Criticism of Daylight Saving Time
One of the biggest concerns about DST is its potential negative impact on people’s health. Health experts have pointed out that the sudden shift in time can cause sleep disruption, leading to problems such as insomnia and fatigue.
Some studies have even linked the time change to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, as the abrupt shift in sleep patterns can put stress on the body.
In addition to the health concerns, many people find the time change disruptive and stressful. After the clocks are moved forward in the spring, many struggle to adjust to the loss of an hour of sleep.
This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with the practice, with many people questioning whether the benefits of daylight saving time truly outweigh the costs.
The Push to End Daylight Saving Time
The debate over DST is not new. For years, there have been calls to end the practice. Around 2015, about 30 U.S. states introduced or passed legislation to end DST.
However, the challenge has been that state laws require federal approval to fully abolish the time change. This means that while some states have attempted to move away from DST, it hasn’t been possible on a national scale.
One of the most significant efforts to end DST came in 2022, when the U.S. Senate passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” a bill that sought to make daylight saving time permanent.
The goal of the bill was to keep the clocks the same all year round, without switching them back and forth twice a year. While the bill was passed in the Senate, it stalled in the House of Representatives, as there was no consensus on the issue.
Some lawmakers in favor of the change argued that a permanent shift to daylight saving time would have benefits for the economy and public health, such as reduced energy costs and better mental health from more daylight in the evenings.
However, opponents of the proposal warned about the drawbacks, such as the possibility of darker mornings in the winter, which could be dangerous for drivers and children heading to school.
Trump’s Proposal: A New Chapter in the Debate
Now, President-elect Trump’s announcement adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate. Trump’s stance on daylight saving time aligns with his broader agenda of cutting what he sees as unnecessary regulations.
He believes that DST is outdated and no longer serves its original purpose in the modern era. He argues that, in today’s world, the energy savings from DST are minimal and that the practice causes more harm than good.
If Trump moves forward with his plan to abolish daylight saving time, it will require the collaboration of Congress.
The change would need to be passed through legislation, and the opinions of various sectors of society—ranging from health experts to business owners—would need to be taken into account.
While some groups support the idea of eliminating DST, others believe that a national debate will be necessary before any decision is made.
Challenges to Eliminating Daylight Saving Time
While Trump’s plan to end DST has gained attention, the process is far from simple. The U.S. Congress would have to pass a law to permanently abolish daylight saving time, which may take time and negotiation.
Lawmakers would also need to consider the effects on various sectors, including businesses that rely on daylight for longer operating hours and the travel industry, where time zone differences play an important role.
Another challenge is the potential pushback from states that may prefer to keep the system in place. For example, states like Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time, and they have not seen significant negative effects from the change.
These states may be reluctant to adopt a nationwide policy that would require them to follow the same schedule as the rest of the country.
Public Opinion on Daylight Saving Time
Public opinion on daylight saving time has become increasingly divided. Many people are in favor of ending the practice, citing health concerns and the inconvenience of adjusting the clocks twice a year.
However, others believe that DST provides economic benefits, especially for retail businesses, as longer daylight hours encourage people to shop and spend more time outdoors.
Farmers have also expressed concerns, arguing that ending DST would disrupt their schedules and reduce the amount of daylight available for harvesting crops.
In the coming years, the debate over daylight saving time is likely to continue, with different states and lawmakers voicing their opinions.
Whether or not Trump’s proposal will succeed in abolishing DST remains uncertain, but it has certainly sparked a renewed conversation about the practice’s future in the United States.
The Future of Daylight Saving Time
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office in January 2025, it remains to be seen whether his promise to end daylight saving time will become a reality.
The decision to eliminate DST will require a nationwide effort and input from a wide range of groups, from government officials to everyday citizens.
For now, the country will continue to adjust to the twice-a-year clock change, but the question of whether it will ever be eliminated remains up in the air.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
