President Trump took an unusually personal swipe at Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) over the weekend, publishing the senator's cell phone number on Truth Social and accusing him of single-handedly blocking legislation to make daylight saving time permanent.
In a Saturday post, Trump wrote that Cotton, whom he called "a friend of mine," is "holding up a very important Bill" — the Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the House last year with a bipartisan 308-117 vote but has stalled in the Senate. Trump argued that "it's very easy" for one senator to stop a bill, and urged Arkansas voters to contact Cotton directly.
"To the Great People of Arkansas, please let your Senator know it would be a GREAT Bipartisan WIN for the United States Senate, and for America, itself," Trump wrote. "Call Tom on his cellphone. Let him know."
Cotton has been one of the loudest opponents of permanent daylight saving time, warning that eliminating the fall-back change would leave millions of schoolchildren and commuters in darkness during winter months. "If permanent daylight saving time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans," he said last year.
Trump countered that more evening daylight would reduce crime and traffic accidents while boosting public health and industries such as sports, tourism, restaurants, and retail. He also highlighted a letter from PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, who wrote in "strong support" of the bill, claiming it would generate $1 billion annually in new direct revenue for the sport.
"Likewise, regular Golfers, Tennis Players, Hunters and, perhaps most importantly, Farmers who want more Daylight to play or work," Trump added.
The president has pushed for the Sunshine Protection Act's passage since August, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has expressed skepticism about whether the measure can secure the 60 votes needed to advance. Cotton's office did not respond to a request for comment.
This is not the first time Trump has used unconventional tactics to pressure lawmakers. Earlier this year, he publicly attacked a prosecutor in a high-profile case, and he has used rallies to amplify his legislative priorities. The move also comes amid a broader GOP push on policy initiatives that have divided the party.
