Trump publishes Cotton's number to force daylight saving vote

Key points

• Trump posted Cotton's alleged personal number on Oct. 3, urging Arkansans to call him to support the Sunshine Protection Act.
• The bill passed the House in July with a 308-117 vote but is stalled in the Senate due to Cotton's opposition.
• Cotton, a Senate Republican Conference chairman, argues permanent daylight saving time causes 'absurdly late sunrises' and safety risks in winter.
• Trump called the issue 'bipartisan' and an 'easy win,' claiming Cotton is the only obstacle to passage.
• USA Today could not verify the posted number, as calls and texts were not delivered, and the White House did not comment.

Background

This dispute follows the House's July 2026 vote to allow states to enact year-round daylight saving time. Trump has previously pushed for permanent daylight saving time, calling the biannual clock change 'ridiculous' and harmful to crime rates. Cotton has consistently opposed the measure, citing historical issues from 1974 when permanent daylight saving time resulted in dark winter commutes for millions of Americans.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today and The Washington Post both report that Trump's move is an attempt to bypass Senate leadership and directly pressure Cotton through public shaming and constituent outreach. AP News frames the incident as a 'time spat' between the president and a usually staunch ally. While Trump emphasizes the bill's bipartisan support and public demand, Cotton and his office focus on the practical safety concerns of dark winter mornings, a stance he reiterated in an October 2025 speech and a recent post on X. The outlets note that Trump has previously shared other senators' numbers, such as Lindsey Graham's in 2015, to pressure them on policy issues.

Why it matters

The standoff highlights a significant rift within the Republican Party over a policy issue that Trump views as a major populist win. Cotton's opposition, despite his high-ranking Senate leadership position, could delay or block a bill that has strong public support and passed the House overwhelmingly. The incident also raises questions about the norms of presidential pressure on individual legislators and the use of personal information in political disputes.

What to watch

The Senate is expected to vote on the Sunshine Protection Act in the coming weeks, with Trump continuing to pressure Cotton and other senators. Cotton's office has not indicated any change in his position, and the White House has not responded to requests for comment. The outcome will depend on whether other Senate Republicans join Cotton in opposing the bill or yield to presidential pressure.