Trump signs executive order ending ‘forced use of paper straws’
President Donald Trump made a bold move on Monday by signing an executive order to put an end to the “procurement and forced use of paper straws.” This order directs the federal government to cease purchasing paper straws and to no longer offer them in federal buildings. The White House has also outlined the development of a “National Strategy” to eliminate the use of paper straws within 45 days and to alleviate the forced use of paper straws nationwide.
According to a White House fact sheet, the decision to ban paper straws was based on the argument that they are more expensive than plastic straws and may contain harmful chemicals that pose risks to human health. The fact sheet also criticized the “irrational campaign against plastic straws” that has led Americans to resort to nonfunctional paper alternatives. President Trump’s executive order comes after his recent declaration to end the restrictions and bans on plastic straws.
In a statement made last week on Truth Social, Trump expressed his intention to sign the executive order, stating, “I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!” This move is in direct opposition to several Democrat-run states, such as California, Colorado, New York, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Washington, which have implemented bans or limitations on single-use plastic straws.
States like California currently have laws in place that restrict the use of single-use plastic straws in full-service restaurants unless requested by the customer. Despite the environmental concerns associated with plastic straws, President Trump has long been a critic of paper straws, referring to them as “liberal paper straws that don’t work.”
The decision to reverse the push for paper straws is a stark contrast to the plans announced by former President Joe Biden’s administration in July to phase out single-use plastic in the federal government. Trump’s stance on plastic straws and his executive order to ban paper straws reflect his ongoing efforts to overturn environmental policies put in place by the previous administration.
In conclusion, President Trump’s executive order to end the procurement and forced use of paper straws underscores his commitment to promoting the use of plastic straws over their paper counterparts. This decision has sparked debate and raised concerns among environmental advocates, highlighting the ongoing battle between environmental sustainability and consumer convenience.
