Donald Trump drew attention during a recent Cabinet meeting for an unexpected aside that shifted focus away from key policy discussions. The moment centered on a familiar personal preference that he used to highlight a broader point about government spending.
Donald Trump talks about sharpie in middle of Cabinet meeting
Donald Trump interrupted a Cabinet meeting, according to the Associated Press, that was focused on the Iran war, airport security delays, rising oil prices, and unstable markets to discuss Sharpie markers. Holding up a black and gold pen, he said, “See this pen right here?” and added, “This pen is an interesting example.”
The remarks came after briefings from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on missile strikes, uranium enrichment, and U.S. troops. Trump spoke for roughly five minutes, shifting the discussion to pens and government spending.
He said the White House previously used “beautiful” ballpoint pens costing $1,000 each, noting, “Sometimes you have 30, 40 people.” He described giving them away at bill signings and said, “I feel guilty by nature.”
Trump said, “I love the government like I love myself, economically,” adding, “I want to save money.” He explained contacting a manufacturer and stated, “The head of Sharpie gets a call. I don’t even know who the hell he is. He said, ‘Is this really the president?’”
Trump said the company offered custom pens without charge, but he insisted on paying $5 each. He said, “For $5, I get a much better pen than for $1,000, and I can hand them out,” adding, “they’ve become hot as a pistol.”
Afterward, he told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, “Good luck, Scott,” and Bessent replied, “as usual, you’re a tough act to follow.” The episode echoed prior attention on Sharpies, including the “Sharpiegate” incident.
Newell Brands said it had no information about the described exchange and noted that officials, celebrities, athletes, and artists widely use such markers. The meeting also covered airport security lines and financial market volatility affecting national and global conditions.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
