Trump vows to reinstate plastic straws, criticizes Biden’s ban on single-use plastics

DAVAO CITY  – United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday, February 9, 2025, that he will sign an executive order this week to revoke the Biden administration’s push for paper straws and reinstate the use of plastic straws in federal establishments.

“I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump’s statement comes in response to the Biden administration’s executive order issued in 2024, which mandated a gradual phase-out of single-use plastics across federal food services by 2027 and from all federal operations by 2035.

The policy was part of Biden’s environmental agenda to reduce plastic waste pollution, citing the negative impact of non-biodegradable plastics on marine life and ecosystems.

Under Biden’s initiative: Government-run cafeterias and federal food vendors were required to transition to biodegradable alternatives by 2027. Plastic packaging and disposable cutlery will be eliminated from all federal operations by 2035.

Trump’s stance on plastic straws is consistent with his previous criticisms of environmental regulations, which he has often labeled as overly restrictive and anti-business.

During his 2019 presidency, Trump mocked paper straws, claiming they “disintegrate” too quickly and ruin the drinking experience. His campaign even sold plastic Trump-branded straws, calling them “liberal paper straw alternatives.”

Environmental groups have condemned Trump’s move, arguing that plastic pollution is a major global crisis that requires immediate action.

Some Democrats and climate advocates have pointed out that paper straws, while not perfect, are a step toward reducing plastic dependency.

On the other hand, Trump supporters and conservatives have praised the decision, calling the plastic straw ban “government overreach” and arguing that consumers should choose what type of straw they use.

Trump has not yet outlined the full scope of his executive order, but it is expected to lift restrictions on plastic straws in federal facilities, reverse federal procurement policies favoring biodegradable alternatives, and  possibly challenge the broader single-use plastic phase-out plan