Trump Sharpie aside interrupts Cabinet meeting on Iran war, airport security lines, and oil prices

During a Cabinet meeting on the war in Iran, record airport security lines, rising oil prices, and market jitters, President Donald Trump paused proceedings to describe how a custom black-and-gold Sharpie became a White House fixture. The extended aside followed briefings from senior officials on missile strikes, uranium enrichment, and U.S. troops at risk.

President Donald Trump paused a Cabinet discussion on the war in Iran to talk about a Sharpie marker. The meeting also covered long airport security queues, higher oil prices and unsettled stock markets. Trump held up a black and gold Sharpie and spoke for about five minutes. The aside stood out during a session focused on urgent national security matters.

The Sharpie comments followed sober updates from senior officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about missile strikes. They also raised concerns about Tehran’s uranium enrichment. They noted U.S. troops still faced danger. Trump then shifted to an extended story about the marker.

Trump Sharpie story interrupts Iran war briefing

During the exchange, Trump began by displaying the marker and speaking directly to the room. "See this pen right here?\" Trump said at the start of a roughly five-minute, on-and-off diatribe on the Sharpie. \"This pen is an interesting example.\" The discussion returned to policy only after the lengthy detour ended.

Trump presented the Sharpie tale as a lesson in cost control. Trump linked it to personal business judgement in federal purchases. Trump also repeated a broader complaint about the cost of work on the Federal Reserve Building. \"Weve gotta get our priorities straight,\" Trump said. The story was framed as an argument for cheaper government spending.

Trump Sharpie tale focuses on White House pen costs

Trump said the White House previously carried ballpoint pens costing $1,000 each. Trump said that created a problem during ceremonial bill signings. Trump said pens were often given away as souvenirs to lawmakers and supporters. Trump said children also received them at times. Trump suggested some recipients did not understand the pens’ value.

Trump described handing out pens in large numbers at such events. \"Sometimes you have 30, 40 people,\" Trump said. Trump also referred to personal discomfort about the giveaways. \"I feel guilty by nature,\" Trump said. Trump said saving money was important despite a preference for showy details.

Trump Sharpie details include $5 price claim

Trump said the marker replaced the costly pens. Trump said a marker company agreed to make a black pen with the White House logo in gold. Trump said the company would not charge, but Trump insisted on paying. Trump said the price became $5 per marker. Searches online show typical Sharpies cost about $1 to $2.

Trump said the call involved the Sharpie leadership. \"The head of Sharpie gets a call. I dont even know who the hell he is. He said, Is this really the president?\" Trump said. Trump also recalled using Sharpies for decades. Trump said the thick black ink helped with autographs and note writing.

The marker has drawn attention before at the White House. The most notable earlier episode was the \"Sharpiegate\" dispute during Hurricane Dorian in Trump’s first term. Sharpie’s manufacturer, Atlanta-based Newell Brands, issued a statement. The company said it had no information about the conversation Trump described. It also said Sharpies are used by current and past U.S. presidents.

Trump Sharpie remarks end with Cabinet laughter

Trump closed by describing the Sharpie as a better deal than the earlier pens. \"For $5, I get a much better pen than for $1,000, and I can hand them out,\" Trump said. \"And, honestly, theyve become hot as a pistol, so what can I tell you?\" Trump then addressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

After finishing the story, Trump praised the moment and moved to the next speaker. \"Good luck, Scott,\" he said as the rest of the Cabinet laughed again. Bessent replied, \"Well, sir, as usual, youre a tough act to follow.\" The meeting then continued after the Sharpie exchange, following earlier discussion of Iran and other pressures.

With inputs from PTI