'BACK TO PLASTIC': Trump reverses Biden's paper straws initiative
What's the story
US President Donald Trump has announced his plans to reverse federal efforts to encourage the use of eco-friendly paper straws, a move started by his predecessor Joe Biden. In a social media post, Trump said, "I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don't work. BACK TO PLASTIC!" The decision is in line with Trump's past positions on environmental issues.
Policy reversal
Trump's executive order to reverse Biden's plastic reduction goals
Biden's administration had aimed to ban single-use plastic utensils such as drinking straws in government departments by 2035. Further, in 2022, his Department of the Interior sought to phase out single-use plastic products on federal lands by 2032. Trump's proposed executive order would essentially undo these environmental measures.
Persistent criticism
Trump's long-standing opposition to paper straws
The paper drinking straws have long been a sticking point for Trump. At a 2020 campaign rally against Biden, he complained about them, saying, "They want to ban straws. Has anyone tried those paper straws? They're not working too good." He also slammed their utility, saying, "It disintegrates as you drink it, and if you have a nice tie like this tie, you've got no choice."
Merchandise move
Trump's campaign capitalizes on plastic straw controversy
Trump's campaign team had earlier capitalized on his opposition to paper straws by selling branded plastic straws with the slogan: "Liberal paper straws don't work." This merchandise move further highlights his firm stance against the shift toward eco-friendly alternatives. After Trump's announcement about returning to plastic straws, billionaire Elon Musk praised him on social media as the 'Greatest President' ever for his stance.