Trump Shares Cotton’s Number to Push for Permanent DST
President Trump shares Senator Tom Cotton’s number to push for permanent daylight saving time.
2 min read
President Donald Trump shared Senator Tom Cotton’s personal cellphone number Saturday, urging Arkansas residents to contact the Republican to support the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
Public Pressure Strategy
Trump used the same tactic as during the 2016 Republican primary, when he read Senator Lindsey Graham’s phone number aloud at a campaign event. This time, he emphasized the need for Cotton to move the legislation forward, which passed the House in July but is stalled in the Senate.
“For some reason, Tom is stopping the Bill,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “So, everyone in Arkansas … tell Tom to, GET IT DONE!” He included Cotton’s number in the post and encouraged constituents to call him, citing benefits for golfers, tennis players, hunters, and farmers.
Opposition and Concerns
Cotton has long opposed the measure, warning that it would “push winter sunrises to an absurdly late hour.” He argued that the benefits of permanent daylight saving time are limited to a few industries and regions, while the costs are widespread across the country. “And that’s to say nothing of moms sending their kids to school in the dark of night,” he said in a speech.
Other Senate leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, also opposed the measure. The bill would end the twice-yearly clock changes, keeping daylight saving time year-round. Most of Arizona and Hawaii, along with several U.S. territories, already do not observe daylight saving time.
Support and Health Concerns
Supporters argue that eliminating the clock changes could reduce health and safety risks associated with the spring transition. Research cited by the American Heart Association found increases in heart attacks and strokes after clocks move forward. A University of Colorado Boulder study also found a 6% increase in fatal car crashes during the following workweek.
Opponents, including medical organizations, argue that permanent standard time better aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, providing more morning sunlight.
Historical Context
Daylight saving time was first adopted during World War I and later standardized nationwide under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
Source: Daily Wire
