WASHINGTON, D.C.: Former President Donald Trump has officially banned the federal use of paper straws, declaring them ineffective and calling for a full return to plastic ones.
“It’s a ridiculous situation. We’re going back to plastic straws,” Trump announced while signing an executive order on Monday. The order reverses federal policies encouraging paper straws and mandates that government agencies stop purchasing them immediately.
Trump has long criticised paper straws, even selling his own line of reusable plastic straws during his 2019 re-election campaign. His latest move directly targets a Biden administration policy aimed at phasing out single-use plastics from federal operations. The policy, set for full implementation by 2035, was designed to curb plastic pollution, particularly in oceans.
In a social media post over the weekend, Trump declared the Biden policy “DEAD!” reinforcing his stance that environmental regulations should not come at the cost of convenience.
Environmental groups have condemned Trump’s order, arguing that plastic straws significantly contribute to ocean pollution and endanger marine life. Critics point out that millions of plastic straws end up in the ocean each year, harming sea creatures and ecosystems.
However, Trump dismissed these concerns, saying, “I don’t think plastic is going to affect the shark very much as they’re munching their way through the ocean.”
The decision has reignited debates over environmental responsibility versus personal convenience. Supporters argue that paper straws are impractical and disintegrate quickly, while environmentalists stress the urgent need to reduce plastic waste.
With this latest move, Trump continues to position himself as a champion of deregulation, prioritising consumer choice over environmental restrictions.
