Trump Shares Arkansas Senator’s Phone Number to Pressure Daylight-Saving Vote

On October 4, President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to publish Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton’s personal phone number, urging Arkansans to call the senator and “GET IT DONE” on the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight-saving time permanent. Trump framed the move as a bid to overcome Cotton’s opposition, describing the bill as a “very huge WIN” for the GOP.

Daily Beast

The Sunshine Protection Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in July with a 308-117 vote, a bipartisan majority. The bill seeks to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes, which proponents argue cost the nation money and affect public safety. Sen. Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has publicly opposed the measure, citing concerns about late winter sunrises.

The Hill

• House passage: 308-117 vote (House of Representatives).

The Hill

• Trump’s Truth Social post included Cotton’s phone number 479-453-0533.

Daily Beast

He urged the public to contact Cotton directly, stating that the issue is a “100 % issue” for Americans.

HuffPost

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) responded on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, calling Trump’s tactic “doxxing” and saying it would not persuade Cotton. Kennedy emphasized that the daylight-saving debate lacks “existential significance” for the nation and defended Cotton, noting the Arkansas senator’s strong stance on the matter.

HuffPost

Arkansas Sen.

The Hill

Kennedy’s criticism focused on the propriety of a president publicly sharing a colleague’s private contact information. He argued that such a move undermines Senate decorum and is unlikely to change Cotton’s position. Kennedy also warned that personal attacks could damage Republican unity ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

MEAWW

• “I don’t think he should have given out Tom’s cell phone number. I don’t think that’s going to help convince Tom.” — Sen. John Kennedy, Louisiana Republican (q1)

The Hill

• “He can go from zero to a-hole in about three seconds,” — Sen. John Kennedy, Louisiana senator (q2)

Daily Beast

• “Every now and then, there are disputes in Congress that have existential significance for the future of Western civilization. Daylight Savings Time is not one of them,” — Sen. John Kennedy, Louisiana senator (q3)

The Hill

• “Call Tom on his cellphone at, 479-453-0533, and let him know,” — President Donald Trump (q6)

HuffPost

• “We want to get away from this ridiculous way and custom of every — twice a year, turning your clocks back, turning your clocks forward, being late for dinner, being late for very important meetings. It’s ridiculous, and if you look at the public, they agree. That’s a 100% issue,” — President Donald Trump (q7)

HuffPost

The Sunshine Protection Act remains pending in the Senate. No specific deadline for a Senate vote has been announced, and the bill’s future depends on whether Senate leadership will bring it to the floor.

The Hill