Daylight Saving: Trump Backs Making It Permanent. Here’s Why Experts Think That’s A Bad Idea

The Political Push to End Clock Changes

In December, Donald Trump voiced support for ending the “inconvenient” and “costly” practice of changing the clocks twice a year. However, he didn’t specify if he favors permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time (DST).

According to CBS News, recent legislative efforts have mostly focused on making DST permanent. If that one of several bills makes it through Congress the U.S. (or the states that pushing for this initiative) would “spring forward” in March and never fall back. However, experts in medicine, national safety, environmental economists, and others warn switching to permanent standard time is the better choice for public health and safety.

Where Does Legislation Stand?

Currently, states can opt out of DST and remain on permanent standard time, as Hawaii and most of Arizona do. However, they cannot choose permanent DST without congressional approval.

While still a senator, in December 2024 Marco Rubio proposed the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent and it received bipartisan support but stalled in the House. In January, his former colleagues, Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Vern Buchanan lead the charge with new bills. Scott said, “Americans are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year—it’s an outdated practice that causes more annoyance than benefit.” At least for now, lockin' the clock ain't gonna happen.

For now, daylight saving time will begin on March 9, (the second Sunday in March), and the debate over whether to “lock the clock” will continue in Congress. In the latest attempt, on February 18, 2025, Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced a bill to allow states the option to stay on DST year-round, which has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Meanwhile, Scott and Buchanan’s bills have gained momentum, with bipartisan support in their respective chambers.

942 - 1945: During WW2 President Franklin Roosevelt instituted year-round daylight saving time in a period known as "War Time" that ended September 30, 1945.

1966: Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which formalized the country's use of daylight saving time and standard time (minus Hawaii and most of Arizona).

1973 - 1974: Due to the U.S. energy crisis, President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act into law. The year-round daylight saving time went well at first, then public opposition and lack of savings ended the initiative one year later. The U.S. returned to the bi-annual clock change we use today.

2025: Currently observing permanent Standard Time in the U.S., Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.) A few more states introduced bills to make Standard Time permanent. However, the majority of states prefer DST. Does it matter if each state does its own thing?

Why Experts Oppose Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Leading sleep and health experts overwhelmingly support permanent standard time over permanent daylight saving time (DST). Organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation, and National Safety Council argue that standard time aligns best with our natural body clocks, leading to better health, safety, and productivity.

Health and Safety Concerns

Morning Sunlight Matters – Experts warn that staying on DST year-round means darker mornings, which can disrupt sleep patterns and increase risks of heart disease, depression, and accidents.

• Increased Fatigue – The shift to DST has been compared to permanent jet lag, causing chronic sleep deprivation. Studies show this can lead to lower productivity and even higher rates of disease and workplace accidents.

Impact on Schools and Commuting

Harm to Schoolchildren – Groups like the National PTA and National Education Association support standard time, citing concerns that dark mornings make it harder for kids to wake up and commute safely to school.

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety – While DST has been shown to reduce evening pedestrian fatalities, the trade-off is riskier morning commutes due to lower visibility.

Environmental and Economic Effects

Higher Energy Use – Research shows that DST increases energy consumption because of more morning heating, evening driving, and residential air conditioning.

Economic Costs of Poor Sleep – Sleep deprivation costs the U.S. $411 billion annually in lost productivity. Experts argue that permanent DST would only worsen this issue.

In light of these significant findings by our nation's most prominent experts, there appears to be much more at stake than we may have realized. What do you think? Should we spring forward and never fall back? Should we follow the advice of America's leading health, science, and research professionals? Let us know in the comments.