In a notable post on his Truth Social platform, President-elect Donald Trump has declared his intent to terminate daylight saving time (DST), labeling it "very costly" and "inconvenient" for the American populace. He argues that, despite its small but vocal support base, DST's continuation shouldn’t prevail. Trump's approach signifies that his administration is keen to confront this issue head-on.
Daylight saving time, which involves shifting clocks forward by one hour in the spring and reversing it in autumn, aims to optimize natural daylight usage. This biannual clock adjustment is embraced by around a third of the world’s countries, including the majority of Europe as reported by Pew Research Center. However, there has been notable discontent in the United States regarding this practice.
Advocates for reverting to standard time assert that it is healthier, providing more morning light, which aids in sleep cycles as evenings grow darker. Critics argue that shifting the clocks can disrupt sleep patterns. Conversely, there are those who advocate for making DST permanent, asserting that prolonged evening light could deter crime, save energy, and even prevent road accidents, with both factions suggesting their preferences would yield better economic outcomes.
This isn’t the first initiative aimed at reshaping the U.S. clock-changing tradition. A 2022 bill aiming to make DST permanent garnered approval in the Democratic-led Senate but ultimately didn't reach President Joe Biden's desk. Notably, Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, has been appointed by Trump as the incoming Secretary of State.
The origins of DST in the U.S. trace back to World War One in 1918, intended to conserve fuel, although it faced backlash from farmers and was soon repealed. Its revival occurred during World War Two, with a permanent adoption of the practice in 1966, although individual states retain the option to opt out. Currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not adhere to DST.
Research led by Joan Costa-i-Font of the London School of Economics indicates that DST may be detrimental to sleep, physical well-being, and mental health, resulting in a notable fiscal impact. His findings suggest that abolishing DST could enhance economic output by an estimated €754 ($792; £627) per person annually.
Globally, Mexico and Jordan have ceased forwarding their clocks in recent years, while countries like Turkey and Russia have switched to a permanent DST model. A recent Monmouth University Poll highlights that approximately two-thirds of Americans favor making daylight saving time permanent.
