Elon Musk Is Ready To Ban Daylight Saving Time With D.O.G.E.

In their newly appointed roles by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have sparked conversations about eliminating daylight saving time (DST).

Musk, known for his influence and innovation, recently tweeted, “Looks like the people want to abolish the annoying time changes!” His statement accompanied a poll showing widespread public support for ending the twice-a-year clock shifts. Ramaswamy chimed in, calling the practice “inefficient & easy to change.”

DST attempts to synchronize waking hours with daylight by moving clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. Critics contend that the practice raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes, interferes with sleep, and causes missed appointments. According to a Chmura Economics study, DST costs the US economy $672.02 million a year, of which $374.75 million is related to health problems alone.

Legislation to establish permanent daylight saving time has gained traction in the past, with public support for the change at 62% in a 2023 YouGov poll. However, debates remain on whether to adopt permanent DST or standard time. Advocates for DST, like Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), highlight benefits such as extended evening daylight for productivity. Conversely, health experts argue permanent standard time better aligns with natural body rhythms.

While Hawaii, parts of Arizona, and U.S. territories like Guam operate on permanent standard time, broader change requires Congressional approval. The Transportation Department, which oversees DST, cannot unilaterally act without legislative direction.

Musk and Ramaswamy’s involvement could reignite the debate, but any meaningful reform will depend on Congress’s willingness to act. With mounting evidence of DST’s inefficiencies, the duo’s push may serve as a significant catalyst in the longstanding conversation. As the debate continues, D.O.G.E. might just become a surprising force for change.