Most of the United States is preparing to turn back the clocks on November 2, bringing an end to daylight saving time (DST) for the year. This twice-a-year ritual remains a contentious issue, with some politicians, including Donald Trump, voicing support for abolishing the time changes altogether.
This year’s transition will mean earlier sunrises and sunsets as the country adjusts back to standard time. While the practice of changing clocks has faced criticism for disrupting sleep and causing confusion, solutions to the issue have been the topic of much debate. Proposed changes include making daylight saving time permanent, so that the country would follow the March to November schedule year-round, or maintaining standard time indefinitely.
Efforts in Congress to eliminate the biannual clock changes have yet to find approval, though discussions are ongoing. Trump has been vocal about his reservations regarding daylight saving time. He expressed support for ending the clock changes on his social media platform, describing DST as “inconvenient” and “very costly to our Nation.” However, he also acknowledged the divided opinion on the matter, noting that people have differing preferences for more light in the morning versus in the evening.
In a statement earlier this year, Trump indicated that achieving consensus on the issue would be challenging, saying, “If something’s a 50-50 issue, it’s hard to get excited.” Despite these challenges, he has urged both Congress and the Senate to consider extending daylight at the end of the day, a viewpoint he has maintained since at least 2019.
As the official end of daylight saving time approaches, clocks will be adjusted back at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 2, with the next DST resuming on March 8, 2026. Notably, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time at all, opting to remain on standard time year-round. Other states, including Florida, California, and Washington, have expressed interest in adopting a permanent daylight saving time if Congress grants approval.
The discussions surrounding daylight saving time reflect a broader societal interest in finding a balance that accommodates diverse preferences and lifestyles, suggesting that the conversation will continue even as the clocks change.