Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend: Trump Calls Ending It ‘A 50-50 Issue’ Amid Ongoing Debate

Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of temporarily advancing clocks during the summer months by one hour so that people can make the most of the sunlight during their waking hours. The US has been observing DST since 1918, with the passage of the Standard Time Act, although it was repealed and reinstated several times over the years. Today, most states follow the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which standardized the dates of DST, but allowed for states and localities to opt out.

The debate over DST has been ongoing, with some arguing that it reduces energy consumption, improves quality of life, and boosts the economy, while others claim that it disrupts sleep patterns, increases health problems, and has minimal energy-saving benefits. President Trump has recently expressed a divided stance on the issue, saying that it's a "50-50" matter, and that he assumes people would like to have more light later in the day, but some people want to have more light earlier because they don't want to take their kids to school in the dark. Some states, such as Hawaii and most of Arizona, have already opted out of DST, while others have considered legislation to avoid changing the clocks.

Studies have shown that DST can have both positive and negative effects on society. For example, a study found that people whose clock times weren't closely aligned with the sun had 22% higher road fatality rates than those living within 30 minutes of solar time. On the other hand, some experts argue that using DST year-round could reduce the number of traffic accidents and the amount of crime. As the US continues to observe DST, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of this practice and consider the potential implications for public health, energy efficiency, and the economy. With the clocks springing forward this weekend, the debate over DST is likely to continue, and it remains to be seen whether the US will eventually adopt a permanent time change or stick with the traditional bi-annual clock switch.