President Donald Trump said Thursday that he replaced the White House’s traditional ceremonial pens—some valued at around $1,000 each—with significantly cheaper Sharpies, arguing the change saves money while also improving reliability when signing official documents.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting on March 26, Trump pointed to the pens as a broader example of government inefficiency, contrasting what he described as costly, underperforming tools with simpler alternatives that work better.
“See this pen right here? This pen is an interesting example… it’s very inexpensive, but it writes well. I like it,” Trump said, holding up a marker. “I came here, they have thousand-dollar pens… beautiful pen, ballpoint… but I’m handing them out… and they didn’t write well.”
Trump: "See, this pen right here. This pen is an interesting example. It's the same thing. So this pen is very inexpensive. But it writes well. I like it. But I can't have the pen the way it was. You know what it is. I don't want to give too much publicity but they do treat me… pic.twitter.com/NHxxJad18q
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 26, 2026
Trump said the issue became apparent during signing ceremonies, where dozens of pens are often distributed to attendees as keepsakes. In some cases, he said, the expensive pens failed to function properly, creating awkward moments during high-profile events.
“I take it out and I sign it and there’s no ink… and it costs a thousand dollars,” he said. “And I’ve got all you people looking.”
According to Trump, he ultimately worked with Sharpie to develop a customized version of the marker that better fits the formality of presidential use, including a redesigned exterior more consistent with official settings.
“I said, ‘I’d like to use your pen… but I can’t have a gray thing with a big S on it,’” Trump said, adding that the company offered to produce a black version with customized detailing, including White House-themed branding.
The remarks came as Trump criticized what he described as broader examples of government waste, including California’s high-speed rail project, which federal officials have flagged for delays, cost overruns, and funding gaps in recent reviews.
A 2025 compliance report from the Federal Railroad Administration found the project faces significant financial and logistical challenges, including a multi-billion-dollar funding shortfall and missed deadlines.
While the cost of ceremonial pens represents only a small fraction of federal spending, Trump framed the switch as part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary expenses and prioritize practicality across government operations.
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