Trump Promotes Plastic Straws with New Executive Order
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced a ban on the use of paper straws within federal agencies, criticizing them for being ineffective and short-lived. Instead, he is advocating for the exclusive use of plastic straws in government operations.
“It’s absurd that we’re moving away from plastic straws,” Trump stated as he signed an executive order aimed at nullifying existing federal policies that promote the use of paper straws while limiting the availability of plastic ones. His directive instructs federal entities to cease purchasing paper straws and to eliminate their use in agency facilities.
This initiative follows Trump’s longstanding opposition to paper straws, which he reiterated while comparing them to the reusable plastic straws his 2019 reelection campaign marketed at $15 for a bundle of ten. The new order is a direct response to a policy established by President Joe Biden’s administration, which aimed to phase out single-use plastics, including straws, from federal food services by 2027 and from all federal operations by 2035.
Over the weekend, Trump declared on social media that Biden’s single-use plastic restrictions were “DEAD!” while insisting that plastic straws are acceptable. “I don’t believe that plastic straws will significantly affect ocean life,” he commented during the announcement at the White House.
Despite the criticism that plastic straws contribute to ocean pollution and pose risks to marine wildlife, several states and municipalities have opted to forbid their use, with a growing number of restaurants no longer offering straws by default. However, it is important to note that plastic straws constitute just a fraction of the overall single-use plastic issue. A vast array of single-use plastic items like water bottles, takeout containers, coffee cup lids, and shopping bags also clutter the environment.
Experts estimate that approximately one garbage truck’s worth of plastic debris enters the oceans every minute, stemming from various sources, including bags, toothbrushes, bottles, and food packaging. As these plastics decompose, they emit microplastics, which have been detected in the stomachs of countless fish, birds, and other creatures — including in human blood and tissues.
Furthermore, the production of plastic materials releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases and harmful pollutants. Over 90% of plastic goods originate from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped into the oceans, leading many multinationals to drift away from plastic straws as part of their sustainability strategies. Trump’s decision stands out as an exception in the business landscape.
Christy Leavitt, an advocate for Oceana’s plastic campaign, criticized the executive order, suggesting it focuses more on political messaging than on addressing actual environmental concerns. She highlighted that a majority of American voters support regulations on reducing single-use plastic packaging.
“Trump is heading in the wrong direction regarding single-use plastics,” Leavitt stated, emphasizing the urgency of confronting the plastic pollution crisis that threatens marine ecosystems and the planet.
The plastic manufacturing industry, on the other hand, welcomed Trump’s announcement. Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association, expressed enthusiasm for the shift, stating that “this is just the beginning” of a broader “Back to Plastic” movement that should be embraced.
In the U.S., more than 390 million straws are used daily, with most being discarded after just about half an hour. Advocacy groups, such as the Straws Turtle Island Restoration Network, warn that straws can take up to 200 years to decompose and pose threats to marine life as they break down into smaller microplastics.
“To prevent further harm to sea turtles and other species, it is essential for individuals to make lifestyle changes aimed at combating plastic pollution,” the group cautioned in a statement.
Globally, the production of new plastic exceeds 400 million tons annually, with packaging accounting for about 40% of total plastic usage, according to the United Nations. In response to the growing plastic pollution crisis, countries are working to devise an international treaty addressing the issue. Although leaders did not reach a consensus during discussions in South Korea late last year, negotiations will continue this year, with over 100 nations aiming to limit plastic production and improve recycling efforts.
The United States, China, and Germany are major players in the global plastics market. American manufacturers are urging Trump to engage in the negotiations while also reverting to previous policies that prioritized the redesign and recycling of plastic products.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf, who presented the executive order, told Trump that the push to shift towards paper straws has been costly for both the government and businesses, leaving consumers dissatisfied. “This is an issue that directly influences the daily lives of many Americans,” he noted.
