Trump signs order lifting federal ban on single-use plastic straws

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will allow the federal government to again start buying and using plastic straws, after the Biden administration banned them over environmental concerns. 

"The Federal government is directed to stop purchasing paper straws and ensure they are no longer provided within Federal buildings," the White House said in a statement Monday.

Biden administration policy end the use of all single-use plastic products on federal lands by 2032, according to Reuters.

Environmentalists and others have increasingly over recent years argued that many marine animals mistake so-called "single-use" plastic straws and other plastic items for food. They also argue too much plastic waste is found in landfills and seas. Plastic is resistant to degradation, or being bio-degradable, in nature.

Trump's order mandates that a "National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws" has to be developed. It gives 45 days to alleviate the forced use of paper straws nationwide.

"BACK TO PLASTIC!" Trump wrote on TRUTH Social when announcing his order. 

Multiple states have banned single-use plastic straws including California, New Jersey, Vermont and Washington state. 

In November of 2023, the House passed a measure to block the Biden administration from implementing a ban on plastic straws, according to the Washington Examiner outlet.