Washington, D.C. — In a move that has raised eyebrows among environmentalists, former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reversing the federal push away from plastic straws. Declaring that paper straws “don’t work,” Trump announced on Monday that the nation would be “going back to plastic straws.”
Trump, who has previously criticized paper straws and even sold Trump-branded reusable plastic straws during his 2019 reelection campaign, targeted a policy set by the Biden administration. The previous policy aimed to phase out federal purchases of single-use plastics, including straws, by 2027 for food service operations and events, and by 2035 for all federal operations.
“Enjoy your next drink without a straw that disgustingly dissolves in your mouth!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, proclaiming President Joe Biden’s policy “DEAD!”
The decision has sparked concern among environmental groups. Christy Leavitt, plastics campaign director for Oceana, stated, “President Trump is moving in the wrong direction on single-use plastics. The world is facing a plastic pollution crisis, and we can no longer ignore one of the biggest environmental threats facing our oceans and our planet today.”
Plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans annually, affecting marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics have been found everywhere from the deepest ocean floors to human blood and tissue.
Many multinational companies have taken steps to reduce plastic use, making Trump’s decision stand out in the business community. Several U.S. states and cities have banned plastic straws due to their environmental impact, and some restaurants have stopped offering them automatically to customers.
Globally, over 400 million tonnes of new plastic are produced each year, with about 40 percent used in packaging. Environmental advocates emphasize the need for personal lifestyle changes to combat plastic pollution. The Turtle Island Restoration Network highlighted that more than 390 million straws are used daily in the United States, taking at least 200 years to decompose.
“To prevent another sea turtle from becoming a victim to plastic, we must make personal lifestyle alterations to fight for these species,” the organization stated.
As nations work towards a treaty to address plastic pollution, Trump’s policy reversal may pose challenges to global efforts. Talks are ongoing as over 100 countries aim to create a pact that limits plastic production and promotes recycling and cleanup initiatives.
For many, the return to plastic straws symbolizes a step backward in environmental progress. The question remains: How will this decision impact the fight against plastic pollution, and what does it mean for the future of our planet?
