Trump Criticizes Senator Cotton Over Sunshine Protection Act

<figure><img alt="US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One as he departs for Denton, Texas, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., US, October 1, 2026." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/5N7ZXRPUCFFW3PLK26HKPWQ2OU.JPG?auth=f002e072f78991000e2374e12976d670332d635eefe03652750cb919c1117c4a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1658&amp;height=932" /><figcaption>Evan Vucci/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has criticized Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton for his opposition to a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Senate Republicans to support the Sunshine Protection Act, which he referred to as the “No More Changing of Clocks Act.”</p><p>Trump stated, “Unfortunately, it’s being held up by Senator Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, for reasons unknown,” emphasizing that many people are frustrated with the biannual clock changes.</p><p>He argued that the bill, which passed the House with a 308-117 vote in July, would benefit various sectors by providing more daylight in the evenings. Trump claimed that studies suggest the elimination of the time change could reduce crime rates and improve health outcomes.</p><p>Despite Trump's assertions, Cotton has previously articulated his reasons for opposing the bill, stating that permanent daylight saving time would lead to darker mornings, which could be detrimental to children and workers. In a speech on the Senate floor in October 2025, Cotton expressed concerns about safety and quality of life for those who work early in the morning.</p><p>Other Senate Republicans have also voiced opposition to the Sunshine Protection Act. Senator Steve Daines noted that the bill would disproportionately affect families in Western U.S. states, where winter sunrises would occur later. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the bill might not meet the necessary 60-vote threshold to pass in the Senate.</p><p>The Senate is currently adjourned until November 9, meaning the bill is unlikely to progress before the time change occurs on November 1.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to Tom Cotton’s office for further comment.</p>