President Trump recounted a story about securing custom Sharpie markers — allegedly arranged with "the head of Sharpie" — and said they cost $5 each, a switch he said saved taxpayers money. Newell Brands, owner of Sharpie, told The Washington Post it has no information about the conversation. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for clarification. The account remains unverified.
Company Denies Trump’s Story About Custom Sharpies He Says Cost $5 Each
Trump's makeup-covered hand was seen clutching his custom Sharpies during a Cabinet meeting. / REUTERS
President Donald Trump spent several minutes during a Cabinet meeting recounting an anecdote in which he said he arranged for custom Sharpie markers to replace expensive, branded pens — and that the deal saved taxpayers money. Trump described calling “the head of Sharpie,” asking for plain black pens with his signature and a small White House sketch, and ultimately agreeing to pay $5 per pen.
What Trump Said
Trump said he had encountered $1,000 ceremonial pens that didn’t write well and wanted a simpler alternative. He quoted the person he called as offering to "make it nicer," paint the pens black and add custom designs. According to Trump, the person initially offered the pens for free, but Trump insisted on paying and they settled on $5 each. “The bottom line is, they’re better pens,” he said, adding the pens became “hot as a pistol” when handed out.
"So I came here, and they have $1,000 pens... Sometimes you have 30, 40 people, and they are $1,000 a piece," Trump said. "For $5—could be zero—but for $5 I get a much better pen than for $1,000."
Company Response
Sharpie’s owner, Newell Brands, told The Washington Post it has "no information about the conversation described." A company spokesperson emphasized that Sharpie is a "beloved brand trusted by so many globally," but did not confirm any special order or direct contact with White House officials as Trump described. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights the recurring dynamic of public officials recounting personal anecdotes that are later questioned or denied by outside parties. Whether the exchange happened as described, the story attracted attention because it involves a well-known brand, a sitting president, and a claim about saving taxpayer money. Journalists and the public rely on company statements and independent verification to confirm such accounts.
Bottom Line
Trump presented the tale as a cost-saving, business-savvy anecdote. Newell Brands has said it has no record of the conversation, leaving the anecdote unconfirmed.
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