Aiexpress – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on his X account his intention to eliminate daylight saving time, referring to it as “useless and costly.” This practice, in place in much of the country since the 1960s, involves moving clocks forward one hour during the summer months to take advantage of increased daylight. Trump has declared that upon taking office in January 2025, he will advocate for measures to end this time change.
Daylight saving time was initially introduced to optimize the use of natural light and reduce energy consumption. However, it has become a subject of ongoing debate. Critics highlight its potential adverse effects on health, such as sleep disruptions and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Since 2015, approximately 30 states have introduced or passed legislation to eliminate the practice, though federal approval is necessary for implementation.
A Controversial History
In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which aimed to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. Despite the Senate’s approval, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives due to lack of consensus. Advocates of a constant schedule argue that it could improve public health and boost economic productivity, while opponents caution against potential downsides, such as darker winter mornings.
Trump’s Push to End Daylight Saving Time
Trump’s proposal reignites the debate, positioning the incoming administration at the forefront of this contentious issue. The successful abolition of daylight saving time will require the cooperation of Congress and careful consideration of diverse opinions from various sectors of U.S. society.
Supporters of ending the time change cite benefits such as improved sleep patterns, better health outcomes, and potential cost savings. However, critics warn that the shift could lead to unintended consequences, including disruption to industries reliant on seasonal daylight adjustments and changes to daily routines for millions of Americans.
Next Steps
As Trump prepares to take office in January 2025, his proposal marks a significant move to reshape a decades-old tradition. The debate surrounding daylight saving time is likely to intensify, with lawmakers, experts, and the public weighing in on the merits and drawbacks of this potential change.
Trump’s administration faces the challenge of uniting Congress to pass legislation and address the implications of eliminating daylight saving time. Whether this long-debated practice will finally come to an end remains to be seen.
