US politicians, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, are exploring ways to make America’s government more efficient by targeting a long-standing issue: the semiannual changing of clocks. The two men, who will run a new “Department of Government Efficiency” under President-elect Donald Trump, believe that ending the practice could save time.
Ramaswamy tweeted that clock changes were “inefficient & easy to change,” sparking speculation about whether they are seriously pushing for policy changes or just sharing their opinions on social media. Musk has since confirmed his intention to end the practice, citing its inefficiency and frustration among Americans.
The issue of daylight saving time has been a contentious topic in Washington for years, with politicians from both parties proposing different solutions. Some advocate for year-round daylight saving time, while others prefer permanent standard time. Public health groups argue that clock changes can lead to increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, citing research on the impact on circadian rhythms.
According to recent polls, 62% of Americans want to end the practice of changing clocks, but there is no consensus on what to do next. The US has been shifting its clocks forward and back for over a century, with federal law mandating the semiannual changes.
Trump’s White House has expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent in the past, while officials from the Transportation Department claim that the agency lacks authority to make changes without congressional approval. A growing movement among states aims to adopt year-round daylight saving time if Congress passes a bill allowing it nationwide.
Musk and Ramaswamy are part of an emerging administration with several allies who have called for ending clock changes and making daylight saving time permanent. Sen. Marco Rubio has introduced legislation aimed at achieving this goal, while Trump’s pick to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has expressed frustration with the practice.
As the “Department of Government Efficiency” is set to make its recommendations to the president by July 4, 2026, it remains unclear whether Musk and Ramaswamy will succeed in their efforts to reform America’s clock-changing habits.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/12/03/daylight-saving-time-musk-ramaswamy