Trump urges Senate to end seasonal clock changes across the United States

Thursday 13 August 2026 - 11:45

By: Sahili Aya

Trump urges Senate to end seasonal clock changes across the United States

U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing the Senate to move quickly on legislation that could fundamentally change how Americans keep time, calling for daylight saving time to remain in place throughout the year.

Trump urged senators on Wednesday to approve the measure as soon as possible, arguing that Americans have grown tired of adjusting their clocks twice every year. If enacted, the legislation would put an end to the recurring transition between standard time and daylight saving time.

The proposal has already cleared a major hurdle in Congress. The House of Representatives approved the measure on July 14 by a vote of 308 to 117, paving the way for consideration in the Senate.

Trump calls the twice-yearly switch outdated

Trump has strongly criticized the current system, describing the clock change as unnecessary and inconvenient.

In a post on Truth Social, he argued that keeping daylight saving time permanently would give Americans more natural light during evening hours.

The president also linked the proposal to broader public-safety and economic arguments. He cited research that he said points to potential reductions in crime and traffic accidents when daylight remains available later in the day.

Trump specifically highlighted pedestrian safety, suggesting that brighter evening conditions could reduce the risks faced by people traveling on foot.

The proposal therefore goes beyond a question of convenience. Supporters are presenting it as a policy that could influence public safety, consumer activity and daily routines.

States could gain greater control

Under the legislation approved by the House, individual states would be allowed to decide whether to eliminate the twice-yearly clock change permanently.

That approach could create a more flexible system, but it could also leave the United States with different timekeeping arrangements depending on where people live.

The debate reflects a long-running disagreement over whether the country should continue switching between daylight saving and standard time or adopt one system throughout the year.

For many Americans, the issue is primarily practical: changing clocks can disrupt sleep patterns, work schedules, school routines and travel plans.

Economic and social arguments enter the debate

Trump has also emphasized potential benefits for businesses and communities.

More daylight in the evening could encourage people to spend more time outdoors after work and school, potentially benefiting restaurants, retailers and tourism-related businesses.

The president also pointed to children's safety and extracurricular activities, arguing that later daylight could improve conditions for young people traveling home or taking part in activities after school.

Whether those benefits would materialize on a national scale remains part of the broader policy debate, particularly because the effects of permanent daylight saving time can vary according to geography and season.

November deadline approaches

The Senate's timetable will determine whether Americans actually experience a permanent change in 2026.

If lawmakers fail to approve the legislation quickly after returning from the congressional recess, the existing system will remain in place.

That would mean Americans would still be required to turn their clocks back on November 1, continuing the twice-yearly ritual that Trump is seeking to eliminate.

The coming Senate debate could therefore determine whether the United States moves toward year-round daylight saving time or retains the system that has governed seasonal clock changes for decades.