President Donald Trump took to social media on Saturday to ask Arkansans to call Sen. Tom Cotton and demand his support for the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight‑saving time permanent across the United States. Trump included a phone number with an Arkansas area code, urging constituents to “GET IT DONE!” and noting that the change would give professional golfers more daylight on the greens.
Why permanent daylight‑saving time matters
The White House has long argued that keeping daylight‑saving time year‑round would provide more daylight during the hours when most Americans are active, boosting recreation, commerce, and safety. Supporters say an extra hour of evening light encourages outdoor activity, reduces traffic accidents, and benefits businesses that stay open later.
Sen. Cotton’s opposition
Sen. Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has been one of the most vocal Republican opponents of the bill. Cotton warned that permanent daylight‑saving time would leave children waiting for school buses in “the pitch dark” and that Arkansas families would suffer darker winter mornings. He framed his stance as putting Arkansans first.
Trump’s response
Trump countered that Cotton’s position actually harms Arkansans, saying that an extra hour of daylight would spare families from having to “run all over their houses, farms, workplaces… twice a year, having to change their clocks.” He added that a group of distinguished people told him they “hate” the mandatory time change because it forces people to go home after dark, especially in “crime‑ridden blue states” where walking at night can be dangerous.
Public opinion
A 2025 Associated Press‑NORC poll found that a clear majority of Americans would prefer to keep the extra evening hour. Only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system of changing clocks twice a year, while 47% oppose it and 40% remain neutral. The poll reflects growing public appetite for a simpler, daylight‑rich schedule.
Legislative outlook
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House in July but faces a tough road in the Senate, where several Republicans, including Cotton, remain opposed. The bill does allow states to opt out if their legislatures act before enactment, giving local governments flexibility.
Historical context
Daylight‑saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. The Senate passed a similar permanent‑time bill four years ago, but it stalled in the House. The current push reflects a broader bipartisan interest in the potential economic and safety benefits of a year‑round schedule.
Trump’s broader agenda
President Trump’s call for permanent daylight‑saving time aligns with his administration’s focus on practical policies that improve daily life for families and businesses. By urging voters to contact a dissenting senator, Trump demonstrates his commitment to listening to the American people and advancing legislation that supports community well‑being.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
