Trump Blasts Senate Over Daylight Saving Time Delay

President Donald Trump took aim at the Senate for failing to make daylight saving time permanent. Speaking to supporters in Corinth, Mississippi, he called the twice-yearly clock change “stupid.” He claimed the delay leaves many Americans unhappy with their elected leaders. The President joked that the time change made him late for his own meetings.

The Senate Stalls While House Acts

The New York Post reported that Trump said the House of Representatives has already passed a bill five times to fix the time. He insisted the Senate must now take a vote to stop the change. Trump said the House passed the measure with a 308-117 margin. Yet the bill remains stuck in the upper chamber. He told the crowd that “many many Americans are very disappointed” by the inaction.

The President recalled a specific incident where the time change caused him trouble. “I’m always late,” he told the supporters. “I had a big meeting and I was an hour late.” He claimed everyone hates the ritual and urged the Senate to “go back to one time.” Trump demanded “No more changing the clock.”

Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has blocked the bill from moving forward. Cotton said that making daylight saving time permanent would result in the sun not rising until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. in winter. He argued this would hurt farmers and construction workers who need light to work safely. Cotton said these workers might go hours without seeing the sun.

Obama Criticizes White House Renovation

Trump also used the rally to push back against comments made by former President Barack Obama. Obama had joked that Trump’s White House ballroom looked like a Cheesecake Factory designed by Saddam Hussein. Trump defended his renovation work as a necessary fix for a building in “horrible condition.” He asserted that the White House stands as a symbol of America that must remain clean.

According to the Washington Examiner, Trump said he builds things that are “beautiful and inexpensive.” He added, “It actually relaxes me.” When addressing Obama’s joke, Trump asked, “Can you believe it?” He noted that the Cheesecake Factory is a very successful company. Trump said Obama does not like successful companies and added, “He doesn’t understand.”

During the speech, a protester shouted “Go home!” at the President. Trump shouted back at the crowd while they chanted “USA.” He told supporters that the protester broke up his punch line. Trump insisted the country must have a “beautiful, well-kept White House.” He said the building is a symbol of the nation.

Daylight saving time is set to end on the morning of November 1. This date arrives much to the frustration of the President. Senator Steve Daines of Montana has warned that the change might not work for people in the West. He said sunrise in Western Montana would not happen until 9:30 in the morning. Daines joked about the bill while noting the issues for parents putting kids on buses.

Trump has previously accused Senator Cotton of holding up the bill. He continues to pressure lawmakers to pass the reform. The President has stated that daylight saving time will end as scheduled. This will happen to the disappointment of many, many Americans. The Senate faces a clear choice on whether to act before the clocks fall back.