Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would issue an executive order next week to overturn the Biden administration’s phaseout of plastic straws, claiming paper alternatives are ineffective.
“I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding, “BACK TO PLASTIC.”
The Biden administration had previously set a timeline to eliminate single-use plastics from federal food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, with a broader ban on plastic use in federal agencies by 2035. The move was intended to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s plan would reverse the entire initiative or solely focus on plastic straws. The White House has yet to comment on his statement.
The federal government, as the world’s largest consumer goods buyer, plays a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution. Experts estimate that plastic consumption has surged to over 400 million tons annually, with only about 9% of waste being recycled. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the health risks posed by microplastics and harmful chemicals found in plastic products.
Trump’s push to restore plastic use aligns with the interests of the fossil fuel industry, which has been a significant donor to his campaign. The oil and gas sector, which supplies raw materials for plastic production, had previously opposed international efforts to curb plastic waste.
