Trump's latest directive marks a significant shift back to plastic in response to concerns surrounding paper straws, a move he links to his ongoing challenge against environmental regulations established by his predecessor.
Trump Reinstates Plastic Straws, Overturning Biden Administration's Measures
Trump Reinstates Plastic Straws, Overturning Biden Administration's Measures
In a surprising move, President Trump has issued an executive order allowing the use of plastic straws by the U.S. government once again.
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order to reinstate plastic straws, effectively ending the government's shift toward paper alternatives initiated by former President Joe Biden. This order comes as Trump has publicly criticized paper straws as inefficient and "disgusting."
According to Trump, who previously promoted branded plastic straws during his 2020 election campaign, paper straws have their drawbacks, claiming they fall apart when used with hot liquids. "These things don't work... if something's hot, they don't last long," he said during a White House press briefing.
Biden's administration had previously announced plans to phase out single-use plastics in federal operations, targeting a complete ban on plastic straws, cutlery, and packaging by 2035. With Trump's new directive, federal agencies are instructed to cease purchasing paper straws and develop a nationwide strategy to eliminate their use.
The relationship between these straws and environmental legislation has fueled a larger culture war, with Trump framing the plastic straw issue as a battle against "liberal" policies. His campaign reported substantial sales of Trump-branded plastic straws, which earned nearly $500,000 in the early weeks of his 2020 bid for re-election.
While some cities and states have already established rules limiting plastic straw use, the environmental concerns surrounding plastics remain substantial. Organizations like the UN Environment Program highlight that 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, contributing to pollution and microplastics in oceans.
Moreover, recent studies indicate that paper straws may also contain harmful "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which can persist in the environment and pose health risks. As the debate continues, the future of single-use plastics remains a contentious issue in the landscape of American politics.
