Trump Leaks Senator's Phone Number in DST Battle

President Donald Trump has reignited the daylight saving time debate by posting what appears to be Republican Senator Tom Cotton's personal cell phone number on Truth Social. The move, first reported by NOS, is part of Trump's campaign to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across most of the United States. Trump accused Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, of single-handedly blocking the measure in the Senate. The House of Representatives passed its version in July by a vote of 308 to 117, but the Senate has yet to schedule a final vote.

What is the Sunshine Protection Act?

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed federal law that would end the twice-yearly clock change and keep the United States on daylight saving time year-round. Introduced in 2018 by Senator Marco Rubio and modeled on a Florida law, the bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent in 2022 but never reached the House. In 2026, with Trump's backing, a reintroduced version cleared the House. The Sunshine Protection Act Senate vote remains stalled because several Republican senators, including Cotton, oppose permanent daylight saving time.

Why did Trump share Tom Cotton's phone number?

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: Almost everyone wants the Sunshine Protection Act to pass, except Tom Cotton. Dear residents of Arkansas, let your senator know this would be a HUGE victory for the United States. Call Tom on his mobile phone at... The number that followed, with an Arkansas area code, has previously been linked to Cotton, according to The Washington Post. Journalists who dialed the number received a carrier message saying the customer was unavailable. Trump called Cotton a friend of mine and showed no regret when questioned outside the White House.

He told reporters: We want to get rid of this ridiculous habit of turning the clock back or forward an hour twice a year. We are late for dinner and important meetings because of this.

Why does Cotton oppose permanent daylight saving time?

Cotton argued on X that Arkansans don't want kids going to school in the pitch dark. Opponents say permanent daylight saving time means darker winter mornings, which can be dangerous for children waiting at bus stops. The concern mirrors the failed 1974 year-round daylight saving time experiment, which Congress ended early after public complaints about dark mornings.

Pros and cons of permanent daylight saving time

Supporters say Americans would gain more sunlight during their most active hours. Trump, an avid golfer, has highlighted benefits for golfers, tennis players, hunters and farmers. Opponents warn of safety risks for school children and commuters.

• More evening sunlight for outdoor recreation
• No disruptive clock changes or missed meetings
• Potential health and traffic safety benefits

• Darker winter mornings for children and commuters
• Failed 1974 permanent DST experiment
• States such as Arizona and Hawaii prefer standard time

Trump's history of exposing politicians' phone numbers

This is not the first time Trump has publicized a senator's private number. In 2016, he shared Lindsey Graham's personal number after Graham called him a jerk. At Graham's funeral in July 2026, Trump said he should not have shared the number, then recited it from memory and added: If anyone wants to try it. The 2026 midterm election race gives the controversy added political weight.

Impact and implications

The Senate is out of session until November 3, meaning a vote on the bill cannot occur until after the midterm elections. Trump used an Ohio rally to urge Republicans to turn out, but polls point to possible Democratic gains in both chambers. Representative Joaquin Castro warned that exposing Cotton's number puts the senator at risk of harm from hackers. The dispute also exposes broader GOP divisions over the daylight saving time debate.

FAQ

What is the Sunshine Protection Act?

The Sunshine Protection Act is a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-yearly clock change in the United States. It passed the House in July 2026 but remains stalled in the Senate.

Why did Trump share Tom Cotton's phone number?

Trump posted Cotton's number on Truth Social to pressure the Arkansas senator into dropping his opposition to the bill. Trump urged Arkansas residents to call Cotton directly.

Has permanent daylight saving time been tried before?

Yes. In 1974, the United States enacted year-round daylight saving time, but Congress ended the experiment early after public complaints about dark winter mornings.

What happens next?

The Senate returns on November 3, after the midterms. A vote on the Sunshine Protection Act could follow, but Cotton's opposition and the election outcome may determine its fate.