Donald Trump Publishes Senator Tom Cotton's Phone Number Amid Daylight Saving Time Debate

President Donald Trump has released Republican Senator Tom Cotton's phone number amidst the dispute over making Daylight Saving Time permanent. Trump stated on Truth Social that Cotton, a friend, is blocking a "very important" bill: the "Sunshine Protection Act," which would end the twice-yearly time change. He noted that in the Senate, a single vote is enough to halt such legislation.

Trump encouraged people in Arkansas to contact their senator and express support for the bill, calling it a "huge success." He published Cotton's number with the instruction, "Call Tom on his cell." By early morning in Germany, the number reached a voicemail box that did not appear to belong to the senator, with a message stating there was insufficient space to leave a recording.

Trump argued that later afternoon sunshine is preferable to early morning light. He cited the PGA Tour golfers needing more daylight for afternoon tournaments, along with hobby golfers, tennis players, hunters, and farmers. He believes people would rather not waste time adjusting clocks twice a year.

Senator Cotton responded to the president's post, acknowledging that no one enjoys changing clocks. However, he pointed out that Congress has passed permanent Daylight Saving Time before, only to repeal it when Americans faced extremely late sunrises in winter. He stated that Arkansas citizens do not want their children going to school in complete darkness and that his priority is always Arkansas.

Trump then posted again on the topic, asserting that if Cotton truly prioritized Arkansas, he would grant them an extra hour of daylight. Trump accused Cotton of blocking the bill purely for personal ego.

Similar to Europe, the U.S. adjusts its clocks twice annually, with exceptions for Hawaii and most of Arizona. Clocks are moved forward in spring and back in fall. Discussions about abolishing the practice mirror those happening across the Atlantic.

The US House of Representatives approved the "Sunshine Protection Act" in July. However, it faces opposition in the Senate.