In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning the federal use of paper straws, directing all government agencies to switch exclusively to plastic. Trump called paper straws ineffective, stating they ‘don’t work’ and ‘don’t last very long. The order, which takes effect immediately, reverses a measure signed by former President Joe Biden, who had called plastic pollution a “crisis”.

While plastic straws have been blamed for polluting oceans and harming marine life, Trump said that he thinks it is OK to continue using them. He said plastic is not going to affect the shark very much as they’re eating, as they’re munching their way through the ocean. This decision runs counter to a growing movement against single-use plastics, with many states, cities, and companies introducing bans and restrictions on items like plastic straws, bags, and takeout containers.