Trump has continued his pace of issuing executive orders that make good on a variety of campaign promises.
In what felt like an episode of HBO comedy VEEP, President Donald Trump issued an executive order this week banning the use of paper straws in the federal government, saying they are “nonfunctional, use chemicals that may carry risks to human health, are more expensive to produce than plastic straws, and often force users to use multiple straws.”
The Trump paper straw stand-up routine. A timeless classic 😂 pic.twitter.com/WMvYF0Cw7Q
— Patri0tsareinContr0l (@Patri0tContr0l) February 7, 2025
The executive order has elicited mixed reactions. Environmental advocates have expressed concern, emphasizing the ongoing global plastic pollution crisis and the negative impact of plastic straws on marine life and ecosystems. Conversely, the plastics industry has praised the move, suggesting it could lead to a broader acceptance of plastic products.
Trump’s order rescinds an executive order from the Biden administration last year that ordered the federal government phase out the purchase and use of plastic straws, as well as other single-use plastic products, by 2035.
This decision has also been a topic of discussion in popular media. Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon made a wisecrack about the order, saying “Finally, this is big news: President Trump just signed an executive order banning the use of paper straws in government and vowing to bring back plastic straws. Yep. Sadly, just after he signed it, the order immediately started to disintegrate.” The joke was followed by fellow comedians Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Myers joining Fallon to perform a bit criticizing Fallon, saying “that’s the best you got?”
EO on Federal Workforce Reductions
A day after banning paper straws, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to implement significant staff reductions, aiming to streamline government operations, and reduce expenditures. The order mandates that for every four federal employees who depart, only one new hire is permitted, with exemptions for roles in national security, public safety, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is spearheading this initiative, advocating for the potential elimination of entire agencies to achieve substantial budget cuts.
The administration has already initiated layoffs targeting probationary federal employees who have not yet secured civil service protections. Agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education have begun implementing these reductions. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees, argue that these actions are politically motivated and lack proper justification.
Not surprisingly, the head of the American Federation of Government Employees union called the order a “politically driven mass firing spree” while Democratic Sen. Patty Murray criticized Trump’s mandate and saying it stopped heath research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to layoffs, the administration has offered buyouts to federal employees as part of its downsizing strategy. Approximately 75,000 workers have accepted these offers, which provide salary payments until September 30.
Judge Blocks Trump EO Banning Federal Support for Gender Transition of Minors
At the end of January, just a few days after being sworn in for his second term, Trump signed an executive order stating, “It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another.” Federal insurance programs, such as Medicaid and military-related programs like TRICARE would no longer cover medical procedures related to gender transitioning for minors. Trump called these surgeries “barbaric medical procedures.”
Yesterday, a federal judge in Maryland issued a temporary stay, halting the order after a lawsuit was filed by opponents of the order, saying it violates the Constitution and discriminates on the basis of sex.
In response to a related executive order banning males from participating in female sports, two transgender teens from New Hampshire filed a lawsuit asking federal judges to overturn the order. Lawyers for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, a co-plaintiff on the case, argue “School sports are an important part of education — something no child should be denied simply because of who they are.”