Trump Ends Paper Straws in Government, Slams Biden-Era Mandate as Unsafe and Wasteful
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order marks a decisive shift in federal policy regarding straws. By terminating the use of paper straws, Trump has effectively reversed a mandate from the previous administration that many criticized as costly and ineffective. The new directive, signed in early 2025, halts all government spending on paper straws, highlighting concerns over safety, consumer dissatisfaction, and financial implications for taxpayers.
Trump stated, “We’re putting common sense back in government,” emphasizing the need for practical solutions rather than failed experiments. Paper straws, once promoted as environmentally friendly, have been labeled by Trump as “expensive, unsafe, and unwanted.” This statement reflects a broader critique of policies seen as symbolic rather than substantial, prioritizing genuine effectiveness over political gestures.
Under President Biden, the push to phase out plastic straws grew out of an aggressive environmental agenda initiated by Executive Order 10457 in 2021. This led to federal incentives for paper straws in government settings. Critics argue that this policy disregarded vital scientific evidence and real-world usage concerns. A viral tweet encapsulated the sentiments of many: “Why do they keep putting this irrational politician in my feed?”
Straws and Science: The Data Behind the Decision
Scientific studies have undermined the environmental claims made in favor of paper straws. Reports found that many paper options house PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, linked to serious health risks. In fact, a 2023 Belgian study reported PFAS contamination in 87% of paper straws tested. In contrast, conventional plastic straws were shown not to contain these hazardous substances. Moreover, data from federal sources indicate that plastic straws account for a mere 0.025% of ocean debris, suggesting that their elimination bears no significant environmental impact.
In response, Trump’s executive order tasks the Food and Drug Administration with investigating PFAS in food-related items made with paper. It also directs the Department of Justice to scrutinize potential violations of disability rights laws connected to straw policies that may restrict accessibility.
Costs Skyrocketed Under Biden’s Mandates
Beyond safety concerns, the soaring costs associated with paper straws played a pivotal role in Trump’s decision. Federal compliance with the paper straw mandate placed a heavy financial burden on agencies and businesses. Paper alternatives can cost up to 400% more than traditional plastic options. A procurement official stated, “Taxpayers were footing the bill for weaker products that barely last through a cup of soda.” This perspective underscores the fiscal implications of seemingly well-meaning environmental policies that fall short in practical application.
Biden’s policies also favored paper straws through the USDA’s labeling program introduced in 2022, but Trump’s order repeals these preferences, promising significant savings in government contracting costs.
Health and Safety Concerns Overlooked
The safety risks associated with paper straws have been noted, particularly their potential to pose choking hazards. Advocates for disability rights pointed out that regulations enacted in cities like Seattle and San Francisco offered exemptions for medical needs, but these were often ignored. One advocate noted in a Senate hearing that “disability rights took a backseat under Biden’s straw policies,” emphasizing the need for more practical solutions that consider all users.
Executive Order 14208 addresses these issues by ensuring federal enforcement of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding food service items. It also mandates that universal alternatives, including flexible plastic straws for medical needs, be made available.
Backlash and Local Reversals
Local opposition to plastic straw bans has emerged alongside the new federal directive. In February 2025, Stuart, Florida, voted to repeal its own local ban after complaints from residents and business owners. Many described paper straws as “useless” and noted they disintegrated quickly in drinks, echoing frustration in other regions compelled by Biden-era mandates that pressured schools and businesses to comply.
This local discontent aligns with a broader trend of backlash against policies perceived as out of touch with consumer needs, especially when taxpayers are footing the bill for impractical solutions.
Environmental Impact Called into Question
Recent environmental studies have called into question the rationale behind banning plastic straws. Reports from NOAA suggest that eliminating plastic straws would have “virtually no measurable impact” on ocean pollution levels. Major sources of pollution, such as fishing nets and industrial waste, account for the bulk of ocean debris. Furthermore, the production of paper straws poses its own environmental concerns, involving high-energy processing and potential deforestation.
Ending What Trump Called “Political Gimmicks”
Trump’s latest order represents a rejection of policies that he describes as “political gimmicks” lacking tangible benefits. He has positioned this shift as a necessity for protectively safeguarding public health while promoting fiscally responsible governance. “Americans don’t want soggy straws that cost more and work less,” he noted, further rejecting theater for measurable solutions that fulfill practical needs.
The order instructs federal departments to cease funding paper straws and revise grants affecting compliance in foreign aid programs. This broad directive underscores the Trump administration’s intent to curb what they perceived as impractical overreach by the previous administration.
Looking Ahead
The executive order has received commendation from various advocacy groups and consumers alike, signaling a return to skepticism toward rapid environmental mandates without suitable scientific validation. Federal agencies are to report their compliance strategies within 60 days, which is estimated to save taxpayers over $50 million annually.
As the landscape evolves, cities and states, particularly those led by Democrat legislatures, may continue their straw bans. Nonetheless, legal challenges are anticipated as interested parties seek to test the new compliance structure established by the DOJ. Trump hinted at broader changes, stating, “This is just the beginning. Every regulation that hurts Americans and makes no sense is on the table,” indicating a potential for sweeping revisions in environmental and procurement policies going forward.
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