Following a disappointing midterm election performance for Republicans, former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform not to address his party's losses, but to lament the failure to make daylight saving time permanent. The Democrats secured control of the House and Senate in the elections, marking a significant setback for the Republican party.
Trump specifically voiced frustration that the Senate had not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act, also referred to as the "I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act." He noted the early sunsets, stating, "It’s so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5.06pm, and it was dark by 5.31pm — Isn’t that ridiculous?)." He urged Republicans to secure this legislative victory before they lost control of Congress.
The House of Representatives had previously passed the Sunshine Protection Act with bipartisan support on July 14, with a vote of 308-117. However, the bill faced opposition in the Senate, particularly from Republicans like Tom Cotton, who successfully won reelection in Arkansas. Cotton has previously stated that while he dislikes changing clocks, Congress has enacted and repealed permanent daylight saving time multiple times due to concerns about "absurdly late sunrises in the winter."
Supporters of the bill, including Trump and his administration, argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide more daylight during active evening hours. Opponents, however, express concerns about darker winter mornings, potentially posing risks for children waiting for school buses and commuters driving to work.
In addition to his comments on the time change, Trump also invited reporters to view the White House ballroom he is renovating. He spoke extensively about its features, describing it as "magnificent" with "50ft-high ceilings" and a capacity for over 300 guests. He stated his work on the White House is "relaxing" and that the building must be "pristine" and "perfect."
Trump briefly addressed the election results, telling reporters he would "get along probably with the Democrats, unless they want to be destructive, but I have the power of the veto." He had previously framed the midterms as a referendum on his presidency, urging his base to "pretend I'm on the ballot." The election results, influenced by voter concerns over the cost of living and the war in Iran, saw Democrats flip Senate seats in Republican strongholds like Kansas and South Carolina.
Republican strategists have called for Trump to re-evaluate his policies and personnel following the party's losses. Veteran strategist John Feehery described the results as a "huge disaster" for Trump and suggested he "needs to clean house." Despite these calls, Trump told Fox News that he did not view the outcome as a "hit on me."