President Donald Trump has signed an executive order encouraging the return of plastic drinking straws, reversing efforts to phase them out in favor of paper alternatives. The move comes amid growing frustration with paper straws, which many Americans find impractical and unreliable. Trump criticized paper straws during the signing ceremony, calling them ineffective and poorly designed.
The executive order does not outright ban paper straws nationwide but directs federal agencies to stop purchasing them. Instead, government buildings will now provide plastic straws. The order also calls for a “National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws,” which must be developed within 45 days. However, states and cities retain the authority to enforce their own restrictions on plastic straws.
This decision marks a significant shift from the policies of former President Joe Biden, who sought to reduce plastic pollution by promoting alternatives like paper straws. Trump’s order has reignited the debate over single-use plastics, with environmentalists expressing concern about its potential impact on efforts to combat pollution.
Despite the backlash, some plastic straw manufacturers have welcomed the move. Ross Boyajian, owner of Diamond Straws, a California-based factory, praised the decision, saying it could revive his struggling business. While the order may boost domestic plastic straw production, it remains unclear how it will affect broader environmental goals.
