Trump Signs Executive Order to Bring Back Plastic Straws in the US
In a move that has sparked both support and criticism, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing the return of plastic drinking straws, reversing policies set by his predecessor Joe Biden. The order, signed on Monday, eliminates the goal of phasing out single-use plastic utensils across government agencies by 2035. Trump argued that plastic straws have minimal environmental impact and criticized paper alternatives, calling them ineffective.
Trump’s Justification for Bringing Back Plastic Straws
Speaking from the Oval Office as he signed the order, Trump explained his reasoning, claiming that paper straws were unreliable and that the concerns about plastic’s impact on marine life were exaggerated. "We're going back to plastic straws," he stated. "These things [paper straws] don’t work, I’ve had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode. If something’s hot, they don’t last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds. It’s a ridiculous situation."
Trump also dismissed worries about the effect of plastic waste on marine animals, particularly sharks. "I don’t think that plastic is going to affect a shark as they’re eating, as they’re munching their way through the ocean," he said. His remarks reflect his longstanding skepticism toward environmental regulations, which he often claims are exaggerated or unnecessary.
Reversing Biden’s Environmental Policies
The order marks a significant shift from Joe Biden’s environmental policies. During his administration, Biden had set a goal to eliminate single-use plastics in federal agencies by 2035 as part of a broader strategy to combat plastic pollution. Environmental advocates had praised the move, citing the harmful impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. However, Trump's new order effectively overturns this policy, allowing government agencies and federal facilities to return to using plastic straws and utensils.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf, who presented the document for Trump to sign, defended the decision by claiming that the environmental impact of plastic straws was "entirely debatable." He also stated that American consumers were "wildly dissatisfied with their straws," suggesting that many people prefer the durability and convenience of plastic over paper alternatives.
Environmentalists and Critics React
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, who have long campaigned against plastic pollution. They argue that single-use plastics contribute to widespread environmental damage, particularly in oceans, where plastic waste can harm marine life. Organizations such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace have condemned the order, calling it a step backward in the fight against pollution.
"Plastic straws and other single-use plastics are among the most common pollutants found in oceans and waterways," said an environmental spokesperson. "This is not about consumer convenience; it’s about protecting our planet from unnecessary waste."
On the other hand, Trump's supporters have welcomed the decision, arguing that government regulations on plastic use were an example of unnecessary interference in people’s daily lives. Many conservatives have criticized the push for paper straws, calling them ineffective and annoying. The issue has even become a cultural talking point, with some right-wing figures framing the debate over plastic straws as an example of excessive environmental activism.
Trump’s Broader Environmental Policies
This order is part of a broader effort by Trump to roll back environmental regulations since beginning his second term in office. Shortly after his re-election, he withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global pact aimed at reducing carbon emissions. He has also prioritized domestic energy production, reviving the controversial "drill, baby, drill" slogan to emphasize his administration’s focus on oil and gas exploration.
Trump has long dismissed concerns about climate change, previously calling it a "hoax" and a "scam." His latest move on plastic straws fits into his overall approach of pushing back against environmental policies that he views as restrictive to businesses and consumers.
What’s Next?
As Trump continues to reshape US environmental policies, it remains to be seen how businesses, consumers, and environmental groups will respond. While some companies have already transitioned away from plastic straws due to consumer demand and state-level regulations, Trump’s order could lead to a resurgence of plastic use in federal facilities and potentially influence broader policy discussions.
Environmental activists have vowed to fight against the decision, urging businesses and local governments to continue reducing plastic waste. Some Democratic lawmakers have also indicated that they may introduce legislation to counteract Trump’s order.
For now, Trump's stance on plastic straws is yet another example of his administration’s efforts to reverse environmental regulations and appeal to his base, many of whom see such policies as a rejection of liberal environmentalism. As debates over climate change, pollution, and sustainability continue, the battle over plastic straws is unlikely to be the last environmental issue to make headlines.