Trump Pushes Congress to End ‘RIDICULOUSLY CHANGING CLOCKS’ - Could It Actually Happen?

Donald Trump’s crusade to end daylight saving time (DST) has gained traction on social media, but behind-the-scenes, it appears to be a losing battle in Congress. The push to make DST permanent is not new, but this latest effort seems doomed by the same factors that have plagued previous attempts: partisan opposition and logistical concerns.

One of Trump’s main arguments against DST is that it disrupts people’s lives, causing chaos and confusion when clocks spring forward or fall back. Proponents argue that keeping the current system would provide more sunlight later in the day, improving public safety and productivity. However, Sen. Tom Cotton pointed out that eliminating DST could have the opposite effect in certain regions, leaving children walking to school in the dark.

The Senate’s reluctance to take up the bill is not surprising given its packed legislative agenda. With midterms looming, Congress has more pressing priorities than a contentious issue like this one. Trump’s own relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other key Republicans has been fraying of late, making it increasingly unlikely that they will support his pet legislation.

The push to eliminate DST is not without historical precedent. In 1974, Congress passed a law setting clocks back by an hour permanently, but repealed it less than a year later due to widespread unpopularity. It’s unclear why Trump thinks this time will be different, especially given the growing unease within his own party.

Two states already opt out of DST: Hawaii and Arizona. Dozens of countries around the world follow suit or have similar systems in place. The EU has proposed legislation to do away with the practice, but it stalled due to opposition from member states. In this context, Trump’s efforts seem somewhat isolated.

Trump’s support for unpopular policies like the SAVE America Act (voter ID legislation) has already strained ties with key Republicans. If he can’t even get traction on an issue as seemingly innocuous as DST, it raises concerns about his ability to build coalitions and pass meaningful legislation.

As the Senate heads into recess until September, it’s clear that this bill is not a priority for Congress. Whether Trump continues to push for it or moves on to other issues, one thing is certain: ending DST will not be a simple matter of flipping a switch. The complexities surrounding this issue are just the latest reminder that in Washington, nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems.

The clock appears to be ticking against Trump, and his focus on issues like this one only serves to highlight the growing chasm between him and his own party. Whether he can adapt and pivot remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that ending DST will not be a winning battle for him.