President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will sign an executive order next week to end the push for paper straws, which he criticized as ineffective.
Trump expressed his intent to reverse the Biden administration's efforts to reduce plastic pollution, stating, “BACK TO PLASTIC!”
In November 2024, former President Joe Biden unveiled a national strategy to address plastic pollution, focusing on reducing plastic use, including banning plastic straws. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable materials and reduce the nation's dependency on single-use plastics, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Greatest President ever! pic.twitter.com/U8BuPVwSwd
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2025
Trump has long been a vocal opponent of plastic reduction efforts. In 2019, his campaign sold red plastic straws labeled with “Trump” as an alternative to the “liberal” paper straws, which he claimed were ineffective. During his first term, Trump rolled back regulations introduced by former President Obama, which aimed to curb plastic waste.
Additionally, Trump is expected to place over 160 environmental justice employees on paid leave as part of broader government restructuring efforts. This move, in line with his stance against the Green New Deal, reflects his industry-friendly approach to environmental policies. Trump’s administration has also considered environmental programs under Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
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