Making pollutants great again: Trump says hes bringing back plastic straws in new executive order
IndependentFEB 5
Trump Vows Executive Order to End Federal Paper Straw Policy
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump boards Air Force One on Feb. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Roberto Schmidt/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The paper straw initiative inconveniences Americans with inferior products while having minimal environmental impact. The US contributes only a small portion of global plastic waste in oceans and it's time to give people back their plastic straws.
Democratic narrative
Plastic straws are part of a larger environmental crisis, with nearly 100% made from fossil fuels, contributing to climate change through their production disposal. They also contribute to harming marine life and ecosystems through pollution. There's no good reason to try and roll back this environmental protection.