Washington, Feb 8 – U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday criticized the use of eco-friendly paper straws promoted by former President Joe Biden, pledging that the country would return to plastic ones.
The move is the latest in his environmental policies since returning to power, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and implementing deregulations under his “drill, baby, drill” agenda.
Trump also announced that he would sign an Executive Order to reverse Biden’s push for paper straws.
“I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don’t work. BACK TO PLASTIC!” he said on social media.
During his 2020 presidential campaign against Biden, Trump expressed his frustration with paper straws, claiming they disintegrate easily and are inconvenient for users.
“They want to ban straws. Has anyone tried those paper straws? They’re not working too good,” he said at a campaign rally.
In addition, Trump’s administration has moved to block funding for a $5 billion national electric vehicle (EV) charging network, a decision that environmental advocates say could hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Evergreen Action, a climate advocacy group, condemned the administration’s decision, calling it an “illegal power grab.”
“This program is delivering real benefits to all 50 states—creating jobs, boosting economic opportunities, and cutting pollution,” the group said in a statement. – TVS
