Daylight Saving Time: Clocks Move Forward Tonight—Trump Indicates No Urgent Reforms

President Donald Trump has recently taken a more neutral stance on the issue of eliminating the national time change. On Thursday, he described the decision to end daylight saving time as a "50-50 issue," a shift from his earlier position, where he labeled the practice as "inconvenient." This statement comes just days before Americans will adjust their clocks forward by one hour.

During a discussion in the Oval Office on Thursday regarding the potential removal of daylight saving time, Trump stated, "it’s a 50-50 issue, and if something’s a 50-50 issue it’s hard to get excited about it."

He acknowledged that while many people appreciate having extended daylight in the evening, others prefer morning light to avoid taking their children to school in darkness, saying, "some people want to have more light earlier because they don’t want to take their kids to school in the dark."

"It’s something I can do, but a lot of people like it one way, a lot of people like it the other way, it’s very even, and usually I find when that’s the case, what else do we have to do?" Trump remarked on Thursday.

Daylight Saving Time 2025 Begins Tomorrow Night. Everything You Need to Know as We Spring Forward.

Will Trump Eliminate Daylight Saving Time?

The future of daylight saving time remains uncertain. However, Trump's recent comments suggest he is less inclined to push for its removal. As recently as December, he posted on Truth Social that the "Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate" daylight saving time, describing it as a costly policy with a dedicated but small group of supporters. It is important to note that Trump cannot unilaterally abolish daylight saving time, as it requires congressional approval and presidential authorization.

Is It Currently Daylight Saving Time?

Until Sunday, the United States remains in standard time (ST). Starting at 2 a.m. on Sunday, most states will transition to daylight saving time (DST).

When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin?

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. Residents in most parts of the country will set their clocks forward by one hour. This shift results in one less hour of sleep but allows for extended daylight hours in the evening until the time change reverts on November 2.

Elon Musk’s Opinion on Daylight Saving Time?

There is no clear indication of Musk’s personal stance on the matter. However, on Wednesday, Elon Musk, a key adviser to Trump, conducted a poll on X to gauge public opinion. He asked users what they would prefer if daylight saving time were abolished. The results showed that 58.1% of respondents favored an hour later, while 41.9% opted for an hour earlier.

Why Was Daylight Saving Time Implemented?

Daylight saving time begins annually on the second Sunday of March and extends until the first Sunday of November. The concept was initially introduced in 1918 as a wartime strategy to maximize daylight hours. However, it was soon repealed, becoming a matter of local jurisdiction. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 reinstated daylight saving time nationwide, and it has remained in effect despite ongoing debates about its impact on public health.

Critics argue that the time change contributes to an increase in heart-related issues, car accidents, and mood disorders, according to the American Medical Association, which has advocated for a permanent shift to standard time. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that longer evening daylight hours provide benefits such as reduced energy consumption and an improved quality of life.

Efforts to modify daylight saving time have been ongoing for years. The closest attempt to a nationwide change occurred in 2022 when the Senate approved the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make daylight saving time permanent. However, the bill ultimately failed to pass in the House.