Special Poll
Trump Vows to Bring Back Plastic Straws, But Voters Are More Concerned About Skyrocketing Egg Prices
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to overturn the Biden administration’s efforts to phase out plastic straws, announcing plans for an executive order expected next week. His decision extends a long-running cultural and political battle over environmental policies and consumer choices.
While Trump is focusing on bringing back plastic straws, many of his voters are more concerned about a different issue soaring egg prices. Across the country, Americans are feeling the impact of rising grocery costs, with eggs in particular reaching record-high prices. Many working-class and middle-income voters, including Trump supporters, have expressed frustration over the cost of everyday essentials, questioning why the focus is on straws instead of inflation and household expenses.
The Biden administration previously issued an 83-page report calling for stronger regulations on plastics manufacturing, citing concerns over pollution and climate change. According to the report, over 90% of plastic is derived from fossil fuels, which, when burned, release carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
For many Democrats, the rapid increase in global plastic production over the past few decades has been a growing concern, prompting legislative efforts to curb single-use plastics. The Biden-era policies sought to reduce plastic waste by encouraging businesses to transition to alternatives like paper straws and reusable materials.
“Tackling plastic pollution and its associated impacts will require unprecedented action at every stage of the plastic lifecycle,” wrote Brenda Mallory, then-chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Ali Zaidi, the national climate adviser at the time. They argued that addressing the issue would involve stricter regulations on petrochemical production, major investments in recycling infrastructure, and the development of alternative materials.
The shift away from plastic straws had already been embraced by some businesses and hospitality industries looking to reduce environmental impact. Several states and local governments, particularly in Democrat-led areas, passed laws restricting or discouraging the use of single-use plastics.
Trump’s stance on the issue is nothing new, he has long criticized paper straws, calling them inconvenient and ineffective. His latest move signals a direct reversal of Biden’s environmental agenda, as he continues to position himself as a champion of deregulation and consumer choice.
However, as Trump pushes his message of “Back to Plastic,” many of his supporters are more worried about their wallets. Rising inflation and skyrocketing egg prices have left many families struggling, fueling frustration that economic issues aren’t being addressed with the same urgency. While the debate over plastic straws rages on, it’s clear that for many Americans, the cost of basic necessities is taking center stage.