Tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are calling for an end to the U.S. tradition of changing clocks twice a year, advocating for a permanent time system in a move that has previously garnered widespread support, CNN reports.
In posts on X last week, Musk declared that Americans want to “abolish the annoying time changes,” while Ramaswamy called the practice “inefficient and easy to change.” The two are now positioned to potentially influence government policy as part of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with streamlining federal operations.
A Divisive Debate Over Daylight
While it’s unclear whether Musk and Ramaswamy aim to prioritize ending time changes, the proposal has reignited debates about whether the U.S. should adopt permanent standard time or permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST).
Advocates for permanent standard time argue it aligns better with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, improves sleep health, and ensures children are safer during morning commutes.
“Too much light late in the evening disrupts sleep,” said Dr. Adam Spira of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “We’re already a sleep-deprived society, and this makes it worse.”
On the other hand, supporters of permanent DST highlight benefits such as more daylight for evening activities, economic stimulation, and potentially reduced crime rates. Retail, business, and restaurant groups often back this approach for its potential to extend consumer activity after work or school.
Mixed Messages from Musk
Musk’s position on the matter appears unclear. In one post, he enthusiastically supported a poll showing widespread favor for abolishing DST, while in another, he backed Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent. The ambiguity has left many wondering what form of “clock locking” Musk and Ramaswamy might champion.
Historical Attempts to End Clock Changes
The idea of ending time changes isn’t new. DST was first introduced during World War I to boost industrial productivity and was briefly made permanent during World War II and again in the 1970s. However, public dissatisfaction, particularly concerns about children’s safety during dark mornings, led to its repeal.
In recent years, momentum to eliminate time changes has grown. The U.S. Senate passed legislation in 2022 to make DST permanent, but the House failed to act. Meanwhile, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona already do not observe DST, demonstrating that opting out is possible.
What’s Next?
Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to address Republican lawmakers on Thursday, with discussions likely to include their vision for DOGE and potential recommendations on time changes. With the backing of one of the world’s wealthiest men and rising public interest, the push to end biannual clock changes could gain new traction in the coming months.
Whether the U.S. moves toward permanent standard time, permanent DST, or maintains the status quo, the debate over how we measure time is far from over.
