Trump Urges US Senate to Pass Sunshine Protection Act and End Clock Changes

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for Congress to eliminate seasonal clock changes, sharply criticizing the Senate for failing to advance the Sunshine Protection Act. Expressing frustration over early winter sunsets, Trump argued that Americans should no longer be forced to adjust their daily schedules twice every year.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump pointed out that darkness had fallen by 5:31 pm after a 5:06 pm sunset, describing the early evening loss of daylight as “ridiculous.” He highlighted that the measure had already secured strong bipartisan backing in the House of Representatives, where it passed with an overwhelming 308-117 vote. Trump also noted that he had deliberately avoided making the issue a major focus prior to the midterm elections to prevent certain senators from facing electoral fallout.

The debate over daylight saving time has long divided lawmakers, health experts, and business leaders across the United States. Proponents of permanent daylight saving time argue that extended evening light boosts retail spending, encourages outdoor physical activity, and reduces crime and traffic accidents. However, sleep specialists and educators frequently push for permanent standard time instead, raising concerns about sleep disruption and the safety of children commuting to school in dark morning hours.

Despite persistent public interest and previous legislative momentum, the Sunshine Protection Act remains stalled in the upper chamber due to competing congressional priorities and disagreement over which time standard to adopt permanently. Trump pledged to keep urging lawmakers to finalize the measure, insisting that ending biannual clock adjustments remains a simple yet impactful reform for the nation.