Recently, a lot of chatter has surrounded former President Donald Trump and his views on daylight saving time, a practice that has many people puzzled. You may have seen some wild claims on social media, especially a clip where he supposedly says that changing the clocks makes people “die faster.” But is that really what he said? Let’s dive into what’s actually going on with Trump and daylight saving time.
Fake News or Real Opinions?
In March 2025, a fabricated audio clip began circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, where it was widely shared. This clip claimed to feature Trump discussing daylight saving time and insisting that it was harmful enough to make people die faster. Sounds shocking, right? However, after investigation by Snopes, it was declared fake, meaning Trump never actually made those statements.
- The fake audio was spread by a TikTok user who later deleted their account.
- Experts believe the audio may be AI-generated or a skillful imitation.
- Trump himself labeled daylight saving time as a “50-50 issue,” showing he hasn’t fully committed to just one side of the debate.
What Does Trump Really Think?
While the Internet was buzzing with confusion, Trump’s real take on daylight saving time has been less extreme than the clip suggests. In a social media post from December 2024, Trump expressed support for getting rid of daylight saving time. Later, he described the issue as “50-50,” understanding both the pros and cons of keeping it or tossing it altogether.
The Public’s Divided Opinion
Just as Trump’s views seem to waver, so do the opinions of the public. Best known for his social media polls, Elon Musk recently conducted one on his platform, asking people whether they preferred later sunsets or earlier sunrises. Surprisingly, 58% favored later sunsets, while 42% preferred sunrises. This shows that not everyone is unified in their preference for time changes.
Legislation on the Table
While Trump may have mixed feelings and the public is divided, some lawmakers are taking a clear stand. Senators Rick Scott and Vern Buchanan introduced legislation in January 2025 that aims to end the practice of changing the clocks twice a year. Their bill tries to establish daylight saving time all year long, similar to what Florida enacted with its Sunshine Protection Act in 2018, allowing the state to stay on daylight saving time permanently.
- This proposed legislation passed the Senate in 2022 but got stuck in the House.
- Twenty states have explored similar time zone legislation, showing that many people are interested in making a change.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The ongoing discussions about daylight saving time reveal more than just personal preferences. They show the struggle between lawmakers, the public’s desires for sunlight hours, and the debate about whether the time changes really affect health. Many studies point towards negative impacts on sleep patterns and overall health when the clocks change, complicating the issue further.
So, as people continue to share what they think about daylight saving time, it’s critical to stay informed and differentiate between what’s real and what’s not. After all, even someone as public as Donald Trump has a more nuanced view than what some viral audio might suggest. The debate rumbles on, with many wanting to find a practical solution that works for everyone.
