Trump backs Sunshine Protection Act, says Americans deserve a ‘longer, brighter Day’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, May 21, endorsed legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States after the House Energy and Commerce Committee overwhelmingly advanced the Sunshine Protection Act in a 48-1 vote. The proposal would end the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the country. 

Trump framed the proposal as a practical and economic win for Americans, arguing that changing clocks twice a year wastes time and money while disrupting daily life. The measure must still pass the full House and Senate before reaching the president’s desk.

Trump says permanent daylight saving time gives Americans longer evenings

Trump praised lawmakers supporting the proposal, specifically naming Representatives Troy Nehls, Brett Guthrie and Vern Buchanan, while describing permanent daylight saving time as “the far more popular alternative.”

“We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day, And who can be against that, This is an easy one!” Trump wrote. “It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production.”

According to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s communications director, Matt VanHyfte, the issue has long been “a priority” because “there is evidence that changing time is a highway safety concern, with a surge of traffic fatalities occurring the week following time changes.”

Rep Vern Buchanan, who has introduced versions of the proposal every legislative session since 2018, said many Americans are frustrated by the current system.

“The evidence is clear that permanent daylight saving time can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime and encourage more outdoor activity,” Buchanan said. 

He also celebrated the committee vote on X, writing, “We’re one step closer to locking the clock for good.” Thanking President Trump for supporting the measure, Buchanan added, “With his support, I’m confident we can finally get this across the finish line.”

Lawmakers remain divided over permanent daylight saving time

Despite bipartisan support in committee, the proposal continues to face opposition from some lawmakers concerned about darker winter mornings if daylight saving time remains in place year-round.

Senator Tom Cotton has argued that permanent daylight saving time could force children in many parts of the country to travel to school before sunrise during winter months. Under the current proposal, states would be allowed to opt out of the federal change.

Public opinion on the issue remains mixed. A 2025 AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that 47% of respondents opposed the current twice-yearly clock change system, while a smaller percentage supported keeping the existing arrangement.

Rep Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat, voiced support for the proposal during committee discussions, saying permanent daylight saving time is “better for safety and will boost New Jersey’s tourism industry.”