President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to rally Arkansans behind the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States. In a series of posts, the President shared Sen. Tom Cotton’s personal cellphone number and asked residents to call the Arkansas Republican to urge him to stop blocking the measure.
Trump’s call to action
“Everybody in Arkansas, Tom Cotton, a friend of mine, is holding up a very important Bill. It’s called the ‘Sunshine Protection Act’ or ‘We Don’t Want to Change Our Clocks Twice a Year Act,’” Trump wrote. “To the Great People of Arkansas, please let your Senator know it would be a GREAT bipartisan win for the United States Senate, and for America, itself.”
Trump emphasized that ending the semi‑annual clock change would give families an extra hour of daylight, reduce confusion for farmers and businesses, and protect children’s sleep schedules. He attached a letter from PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp expressing the Tour’s strong support for the legislation.
Sen. Cotton’s response
Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, replied on X that he opposes altering the status quo. He noted that Congress has enacted permanent Daylight Saving Time in the past but later repealed it after Americans experienced “absurdly late sunrises in the winter.” Cotton added, “Arkansans don’t want their kids going to school in the pitch dark, and I’ll always put Arkansas first.”
Legislative background
The House of Representatives passed a measure to establish year‑round Daylight Saving Time by a vote of 308‑117, signaling strong bipartisan support. However, the Senate has not yet taken action, and Sen. Cotton’s opposition has become a focal point for the President’s outreach.
Potential benefits and concerns
Proponents argue that permanent Daylight Saving Time would eliminate the need to reset clocks twice a year, improve public safety by providing more daylight during evening commutes, and reduce seasonal depression. Critics, including some agricultural groups, warn that later winter sunrises could disrupt farming schedules and affect livestock management.
Trump’s broader stance on the clock change
President Trump has long criticized the semi‑annual clock change, though his preferred standard—whether to stay on standard time or Daylight Saving Time—has shifted over time. In this latest push, he framed the issue as a matter of common‑sense governance that benefits families, businesses, and the nation’s productivity.
Public reaction
After Trump posted the senator’s number, CNN reported that Cotton’s voicemail box was full and that a subsequent call reached an automated message stating the “wireless customer” was unavailable. The President’s direct appeal has sparked a flurry of social‑media commentary, with many Arkansas residents expressing support for the permanent‑time proposal and urging Cotton to reconsider his position.
While the debate continues in Washington, President Trump’s outreach underscores his commitment to addressing everyday concerns that affect American families, reinforcing the administration’s focus on practical solutions that align with traditional values and individual liberty.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
