Trump Calls Out Sen. Cotton on Daylight Saving Time Bill

Former President Donald Trump has publicly identified Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., as the sole Republican senator obstructing the passage of a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustration, stating that Cotton's reasons for opposition are unknown and that the public is "sick and tired of having to change their Clocks twice a year."

The House of Representatives passed the bill with bipartisan support, 308-117, on July 14, 2026. Trump emphasized that "Both Democrats and Republicans want it to happen" and that its passage in the Senate would be another "Great Bipartisan Victory."

The Senate adjourned without taking up the bill, meaning millions of Americans will revert to standard time on November 1. Under the current system, sunsets occur as early as 4:31 p.m. in New York City and 4:49 p.m. in Washington D.C. during the winter solstice.

Making daylight saving time permanent was part of Trump's 2024 campaign platform. His public criticism of Cotton could increase pressure on the senator. Last year, Cotton, 49, voiced his opposition, citing the disruption caused by the year-round daylight saving time implemented in 1974 during an oil crisis.

Cotton's opposition requires the bill to pass committee, overcome a potential filibuster with 60 votes, and then pass a recorded vote. He has argued that permanent daylight saving time would mean sunrises occurring after 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. in parts of Arkansas during winter, impacting children going to school and workers such as farmers and construction personnel who begin their days before sunrise. He also suggested that natural body clocks align better with standard time and that clock changes can negatively affect health.

Trump countered these points in his social media post, referring to the legislation as the "No More Changing of Clocks Act," officially known as The Sunshine Protection Act. He argued that the biannual time change is costly, detrimental to crime rates, stress levels, and sports. He also cited PGA Commissioner Brian Rolapp, who reportedly needs the extra evening daylight for golf tournaments.

"Even most farmers would rather have additional time in the evening to harvest their crops," Trump wrote. He further contended that studies show making daylight saving time permanent would decrease robbery and murder rates, reduce car accidents, lower the risk of cardiac issues, stroke, and seasonal depression, make it safer for children walking home from school, increase family time, boost sports and tourism, and save energy costs.

Trump concluded by stating that "NOBODY wants to change their Clocks twice a year" and that this issue unites Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.