In a world where time can sometimes feel like it’s slipping away, daylight saving time has always sparked discussion, especially with figures like former President Donald Trump in the spotlight. Recently, a sensational audio clip claiming to feature Trump making controversial statements about why we should get rid of daylight saving time made the rounds on social media, stirring up quite a buzz.
Unpacking the Fake Audio Clip
In mid-March 2025, social media exploded when a fake audio clip began circulating, supposedly showcasing Trump denouncing daylight saving time by suggesting that shifting clocks causes people to ‘die faster.’ TikTok user @whmole shared this clip, only to delete their account shortly afterward. Investigative fact-checkers at Snopes quickly looked into the claims and deemed the audio clip inauthentic, pointing out that its origin was unclear and might have been created either by AI or a clever impersonator.
Trump’s True Stance on Daylight Saving Time
Despite the uproar caused by the fake clip, Trump’s actual comments on daylight saving time have been inconsistent. On March 6, 2025, he described daylight saving time as a “50-50 issue,” reflecting a divided public opinion. Earlier, in December 2024, he expressed his intention to eliminate daylight saving time entirely, indicating his support for making the change permanent. His fluctuating views depict a larger debate about whether people want to keep this time change or ditch it for good.
The Public’s Reaction
Interestingly, this topic also caught the attention of tech magnate Elon Musk, who conducted a poll on social media to gather public preferences regarding the time change. The poll attracted over 1.3 million responses, revealing that 58% of participants favored keeping the later sunsets associated with daylight saving time, suggesting a significant portion of the public enjoys the extra light in the evenings.
Legislative Efforts to End Daylight Saving Time
The legislative landscape around daylight saving time is also buzzing with activity. In January 2025, Senator Rick Scott and Representative Vern Buchanan introduced a bill aimed at permanently ending the clock changes. While the idea gained traction in the Senate, it faced hurdles in the House, preventing it from becoming law despite previous Senate approval in 2022.
Florida Takes the Lead
Florida has emerged as a leader in this movement with its Sunshine Protection Act, which was passed in 2018, intending to establish permanent daylight saving time in the state. This move could serve as a model for other states. Following Florida’s example, over 20 states have since passed resolutions supporting year-round daylight saving time, but these changes await congressional approval.
The National Interest
As the debate continues to unfold, many are left wondering: would getting rid of the time change positively impact our daily lives or complicate things even more? Health experts warn about the potential negative short-term effects of changing clocks, highlighting issues like sleep disruption and health implications. As discussions progress, it’s clear that Americans have different opinions on the matter, and it will take more dialogue before any decision is made.
Public Opinion on Time Changes
With voices like Trump and Musk unsettling the traditional views of daylight saving time and encouraging discussion, it seems the conversation around time changes will continue into the future. It’s a fascinating look at how even something as seemingly straightforward as changing the time can spark debate across the nation.