U.S. President Donald Trump is reigniting the straw wars 🥊, signing an executive order Monday to reverse federal efforts phasing out plastic straws. Declaring paper alternatives “don’t work,” Trump vowed to bring back single-use plastics, calling Biden-era environmental policies “ridiculous.”
From Campaign Merch to Policy Flip
The move isn’t Trump’s first straw showdown. In 2019, his reelection campaign sold $15 packs of reusable plastic straws emblazoned with his name. Now, he’s taking aim at President Biden’s plan to eliminate federal purchases of single-use plastics by 2027—a policy Trump labeled “DEAD!” in a fiery Truth Social post.
The Eco Impact
While plastic straws account for a small fraction of ocean pollution, the debate highlights deeper divides. Critics argue Trump’s reversal undermines sustainability efforts, while supporters cheer the pushback against “woke” policies 🌱 vs. 🏭. With federal operations impacting millions daily, this straw spat could siphon attention toward broader climate conversations.
