With daylight saving time (DST) set to take effect this weekend, the decades-old debate over whether to abolish or make DST permanent has resurfaced. Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently conducted a poll on X (formerly Twitter), asking users what the U.S. should do if the time change were eliminated. The results showed a near even split, with 58% favoring setting clocks an hour later and 42% preferring an hour earlier.
This discussion comes amid renewed legislative efforts to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. The issue has drawn attention from political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who voiced support for eliminating daylight saving time. The ongoing debate raises several key questions: Why does DST exist? What efforts have been made to repeal it? What do experts say about its impact on health and daily life? Here’s a detailed look at the history, controversy, and future of daylight saving time.
Why do people want to end daylight saving time in the United Stated
The movement to end daylight saving time has grown in recent years due to concerns over health, safety, and practicality.
1. Health and sleep disruptions

2. Increased risk of accidents

3. Farmers’ concerns

4. Calls for consistency

What is daylight saving time

Daylight saving time is the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in the spring to extend evening daylight hours. This adjustment takes place every year in March and lasts until November.

The system was originally introduced during World War I as a way to conserve energy by extending daylight hours in the evening. The concept was later refined and standardized in the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established five time zones in the U.S. and allowed states to opt out of DST.

History of the daylight saving time controversy

The debate over DST is not new. Since its inception, there have been hundreds of efforts to abolish or modify it.

Despite these changes, the twice-yearly clock adjustment continues to spark debate, with strong arguments for and against the practice.

Legislative efforts to end or modify daylight saving time in the US

Over the years, lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills to either eliminate DST or make it permanent.

Despite widespread interest in “locking the clock,” there is no clear consensus on whether permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time would be the better solution.

Would permanent daylight saving time or standard time be better

As per reports, Elon Musk’s poll highlights a key dilemma: If DST is eliminated, should the U.S. stick with standard time or daylight saving time year-round?
Past surveys have shown mixed public opinion:

Experts caution that choosing permanent daylight saving time could create unintended consequences.
Dark mornings and safety concerns

Expert opinion on the best option