Every March and every October the same debate comes up: the change of time. One of those topics that seems simple but ends up dividing people. It was first introduced in 1918 and was initially treated as a measure to save energy during the war, it was called Daylight Saving Time (DST). Now, there are those who see it as an annoying and obsolete custom, and others who defend it because they believe that the change brings benefits.
But what does Donald Trump think? Well, he has put the debate back on the political table with the idea of finally eliminating daylight saving time.
Why is there so much controversy over Daylight Saving Time?
Basically, Daylight Saving Time means that we move our clocks forward one hour in March (2:00 a.m. is 3:00 a.m.) and back one hour in November (3:00 a.m. is 2:00 a.m.), with the idea of making better use of natural light and reducing electricity consumption. But not all states play by the same rules. Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and Guam have decided to ignore it and stay on standard time all year round because it makes more sense for them economically.
Critics of DST argue that the change affects sleep and overall health, causing fatigue and reducing productivity. Others argue that it saves energy and encourages outdoor activities. The question is: is it really still necessary in 2025?
When does daylight saving time change?
Despite his statements, Trump has not yet signed any executive order or presented a concrete plan to end DST, so, mark these two dates on your calendar because the time change will still be in effect in 2025, and Sunday, March 9 will be the day we switch to daylight saving time and Sunday, November 2 will be the day we turn our clocks back to winter time.
In the hypothetical and remote case that Congress decides to support the elimination of daylight saving time, it could take effect as early as 2026, but nothing is clear yet.
What is the Republican Party proposing?
In 2022, the US Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a law that aimed to make daylight saving time permanent. But the bill stalled in Congress and was never fully approved… Now, with Trump back in charge, the discussion is revived and the debate is back on the table. In December 2024, the former president wrote on Truth Social and X that he would do everything possible to eliminate daylight saving time because it was one of his priorities, calling it unnecessary.
Since Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, he has not passed any executive measures related to the abolition of daylight saving time, so it seems that it was not his top priority.
Of course, we will never agree on the time change. The southernmost places will prefer summer time because it allows them more daylight hours, and those in the north will prefer winter time. While some believe that eliminating summer time would improve health, others argue that maintaining it would benefit energy consumption.
For now, the only one who could take action on the matter has not said anything about it. Will it be another of those issues that end up in the air? We don’t know, for now. Set your alarms on the 9th to change the time.
And you, which side are you on?