President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 10, 2025, halting the procurement and use of paper straws in federal buildings. Within 45 days, a national strategy will be developed to eliminate paper straws nationwide.
The administration argues that paper straws are costly, inefficient, and contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, while studies suggest plastic straws have a smaller environmental impact. Critics of paper straws claim they offer symbolic rather than practical eco-benefits.
Trump’s move aligns with his broader environmental approach, promoting clean air and water standards while opposing policies he views as wasteful, such as excessive spending on electric infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
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