President Donald Trump intensified his public campaign for permanent daylight saving time by sharing what he said was the phone number of Senator Tom Cotton, a fellow Republican who opposes the proposal. The dispute unfolded on October 3, amid growing debate over the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation aimed at ending the biannual clock changes.
Trump posted on his social media platform urging supporters to contact Cotton, an Arkansas senator who has expressed concerns about the bill. The Sunshine Protection Act would halt the twice-yearly adjustments of clocks by one hour, maintaining daylight saving time year-round. Trump framed the issue as reflecting the preferences of most Americans, who he said want more afternoon sunlight.
Cotton has countered by warning that permanent daylight saving time would lead to very late sunrises during winter months, posing risks particularly for children commuting to school in the dark. In a statement on X, Cotton noted that Congress has attempted to institute permanent daylight saving time in the past, only to repeal it after experiencing problems with late winter mornings. “Arkansans don’t want their kids going to school in the pitch dark, and I’ll always put Arkansas first,” he said.
When contacted, the phone number Trump shared connected to a voicemail without clear identification linking it to Cotton. Following Cotton’s response, Trump issued a further post urging the senator to “take the win” and deliver a victory for the Republican Party.
The House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July, but the bill faces opposition in the Senate from Cotton and others. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana recently described the bill as “dead as disco,” doubting that Senate Majority Leader John Thune would bring it to a vote. Requests for comment from Cotton’s and Thune’s offices were not answered.
Proponents of permanent daylight saving time argue that clock changes disrupt sleep cycles and contribute to increased road accidents. They also stress benefits such as extended evening daylight for sports and recreational activities, which Trump emphasized during a White House briefing. He cited support from farmers and the sports industry, referencing a letter from PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp that highlighted the need for more afternoon daylight to complete tournaments.
Trump criticized the standard time switch, scheduled for November 1 this year, calling it disruptive to daily schedules, outdoor activities, and even crime rates. An avid golfer, he expressed frustration over losing evening daylight, saying it limits the amount of golf he can play.
The ongoing disagreement highlights a rare policy dispute within the Republican Party, with Cotton seeking reelection in Arkansas—a state where Trump secured more than 64% of the vote in 2024—suggesting a political dimension to the bill’s fate.