In a move that could reshape timekeeping policies across the nation, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a clear desire to abolish daylight saving time (DST), labeling it as "inconvenient" and "very costly" for American citizens. Through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he emphasized that while DST holds a "small but strong constituency," it should not persist.
Daylight saving time is a widely practiced system that adjusts the clocks forward by one hour in spring and back an hour in autumn, aiming to maximize natural daylight. According to Pew Research Center, approximately a third of the world's nations, including most European countries, observe this tradition. However, sentiments against it are gaining traction in the US, where many call for an end to what they regard as an outdated practice.
Advocates for maintaining standard time argue that it supports healthier sleep patterns by providing more morning light. They contend DST disrupts sleep schedules, leading to negative health impacts. Others are pushing for the implementation of permanent daylight saving time, suggesting it would decrease crime rates, conserve energy, and reduce traffic fatalities due to prolonged evening daylight.
Trump's proposed change aligns with various previous attempts to reform the biannual clock adjustments in the US. A 2022 bill aimed at making DST permanent received support in the Democrat-controlled Senate but ultimately faltered before reaching President Joe Biden.
Historically, the United States adopted seasonal clock changes during World War I to conserve resources, and while unpopular with agricultural communities, the practice resurfaced during World War II and was solidified as law in 1966. Currently, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out of DST altogether.
Research by Joan Costa-i-Font from the London School of Economics highlighted the adverse consequences of DST on sleep, mental health, and even physical well-being. His study suggests that elimination of DST could enhance economic productivity significantly—amounting to approximately €754 ($792; £627) per person annually.
Notably, Mexico and Jordan joined the ranks of countries discontinuing the practice in 2022. Meanwhile, others like Turkey and Russia have transitioned to permanent DST in recent years. Current polls indicate a strong public preference in the US, with roughly two-thirds favoring a switch to permanent daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time is a widely practiced system that adjusts the clocks forward by one hour in spring and back an hour in autumn, aiming to maximize natural daylight. According to Pew Research Center, approximately a third of the world's nations, including most European countries, observe this tradition. However, sentiments against it are gaining traction in the US, where many call for an end to what they regard as an outdated practice.
Advocates for maintaining standard time argue that it supports healthier sleep patterns by providing more morning light. They contend DST disrupts sleep schedules, leading to negative health impacts. Others are pushing for the implementation of permanent daylight saving time, suggesting it would decrease crime rates, conserve energy, and reduce traffic fatalities due to prolonged evening daylight.
Trump's proposed change aligns with various previous attempts to reform the biannual clock adjustments in the US. A 2022 bill aimed at making DST permanent received support in the Democrat-controlled Senate but ultimately faltered before reaching President Joe Biden.
Historically, the United States adopted seasonal clock changes during World War I to conserve resources, and while unpopular with agricultural communities, the practice resurfaced during World War II and was solidified as law in 1966. Currently, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out of DST altogether.
Research by Joan Costa-i-Font from the London School of Economics highlighted the adverse consequences of DST on sleep, mental health, and even physical well-being. His study suggests that elimination of DST could enhance economic productivity significantly—amounting to approximately €754 ($792; £627) per person annually.
Notably, Mexico and Jordan joined the ranks of countries discontinuing the practice in 2022. Meanwhile, others like Turkey and Russia have transitioned to permanent DST in recent years. Current polls indicate a strong public preference in the US, with roughly two-thirds favoring a switch to permanent daylight saving time.
