US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Senate Republicans to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, targeting Senator Tom Cotton for delaying the legislation.
In a post on Saturday, Trump accused the Arkansas senator of “holding up” the Sunshine Protection Act, which he has dubbed the “No More Changing of Clocks Act.” He expressed frustration that Cotton alone could impede progress in the Senate, asserting that the bill should pass easily and with bipartisan support.
“Nobody wants to spend their precious time running around changing clocks twice a year. Having sunshine in the afternoon is better than early in the morning!” he wrote.
Trump further escalated his comments by posting what he claimed was Cotton’s phone number, urging Arkansas residents to contact him—a tactic reminiscent of his 2016 campaign when he revealed Senator Lindsey Graham’s number after criticism from Graham.
Al Jazeera attempted to call the number in Trump’s post, but found the voicemail box full. Neither Cotton’s office nor the White House responded to queries on the matter.
The president has consistently urged Senate Republicans to pass the bill that would end the biannual clock changes, following its House approval in July with a 308-117 vote. Cotton has resisted the proposal, citing concerns that it would leave farmers, construction workers, and schoolchildren in the dark during winter mornings. In response, Trump argued that the bill would benefit Arkansans, providing an extra hour of daylight and relieving the hassle of changing clocks.
Trump, an enthusiastic golfer, also highlighted the bill’s potential advantages for sports, noting that the PGA Tour requires more daylight to complete tournaments. “Regular golfers, tennis players, hunters, and especially farmers would benefit from more daylight,” he added.
While spending part of Saturday at his golf club in Virginia, Trump shared feedback he’s received: “A table full of distinguished people just told me they hate leaving home after a time change when it’s dark. It’s depressing!”
In the past, Congress briefly implemented year-round daylight saving time in 1974 during an energy crisis, but this was repealed less than a year later due to safety concerns for children commuting in the dark.
Senators have left Washington and are not expected back until after the November 3 midterm elections. Some, including Senator John Kennedy, doubt the bill will be brought to a vote before the elections. “It’s dead as disco,” he told Reuters. “I don’t think the leader is going to bring it up.”
