President Donald Trump recently seemed to share Senator Tom Cotton’s personal cell phone number on Truth Social as he advocated for a bill aimed at abolishing daylight saving time. He specifically called out Cotton, whom he refers to as a “friend,” for blocking the “Sunshine Protection Act” from being put to a vote last October.
Trump expressed frustration over Cotton’s actions, stating, “For some reason, Tom is stopping the Bill and, in the Senate, it’s very easy to do, it only takes one! It should pass overwhelmingly, in a Bipartisan fashion.” He encouraged Arkansas residents, saying, “tell Tom to, GET IT DONE!”
As Trump pushes for this change, it’s worth noting that daylight saving time has its supporters and detractors, particularly among northern and southern states, which complicates the issue. After all, there are various opinions on whether it’s actually beneficial.
In his post, Trump urged voters in Arkansas to contact Cotton using the number he provided. Interestingly, a call to that number didn’t connect to Cotton himself. Meanwhile, the Senate won’t be able to vote on the bill until after the midterm elections, as they are out of session until November 3. The House had previously passed its version of the bill with a significant majority of 308–117, reflecting a bipartisan consensus, but it has since stalled in the Senate.
Trump has been vocal about the benefits he believes would come from ending the biannual clock changes. He argues that it could lead to a reduction in crime rates and car accidents, as well as improving mental health outcomes. Despite his advocacy, the legislation’s stalled progress represents yet another challenge for Trump, especially with his SAVE America Act not yet being passed into law.
After Trump’s remarks about Cotton, the senator reiterated his stance on daylight saving time, mentioning the past attempts by Congress to enact it permanently, which were reversed when people faced excessively late sunrises in winter. Cotton commented on social media, expressing concern for Arkansas children needing to go to school in darkness.
This isn’t the first time Trump has disclosed a lawmaker’s cellphone number publicly; back in 2015, he revealed then-Senator Lindsey Graham’s number during a campaign rally after Graham had criticized him. Trump’s actions raise some eyebrows, considering the implications of sharing such private information.
The situation continues to evolve as discussions around the bill and its potential implications progress. Observers are keenly watching Cotton’s response and the overall reception in Arkansas and the broader political landscape.
