Angry Trump leaks GOP senator Tom Cotton's phone number over Sunshine Protection Act: What is it?

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump shared what he claimed was the phone number of Republican Senator Tom Cotton online. This action intensified a conflict over the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent and abolish the biannual clock changes. Trump argued that most Americans prefer extended afternoon sunlight, while Cotton contends that the change would leave early risers in darkness during winter.

Trump posted the number on his Truth Social platform, urging citizens to call it. When Reuters attempted to reach the number, it led to a voicemail, which did not identify itself as Cotton's. This was Trump's second post about Cotton's stance against the bill within two days.

The Sunshine Protection Act has been in the Senate since July, but opposition from Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana is one of the obstacles. Kennedy described the bill as "dead as disco" and doubted it would receive a vote in the Senate. Cotton, along with other opponents, maintains that making daylight saving time permanent would negatively impact winter months for many Americans.

Trump cited golfers, farmers, tennis players, and hunters as potential supporters of the bill, sharing a letter from PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. Throughout his presidency, Trump has previously shared a senator's phone number, once calling Senator Lindsey Graham's to criticize him. Despite their past conflict, Graham later became a prominent ally of Trump's in Congress.

This ongoing dispute between Trump and Cotton unfolds as the Republican candidate campaigns for his re-election bid. Notably, Cotton faces a non-competitive race in Arkansas, as Trump received over 64% of the state's votes in the 2024 presidential election.