Gobinda Prasad Pokharel
As soon as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, he issued a series of executive orders. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, WHO, pardoning the people convicted in the 2021 Capitol riot, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk’s leadership were the major executive orders during the inagural day. According to the National Archives and Records Administration, 26 executive orders were issued on the first day of inaugural. By the time of writing this article as of 14th March 2025, 89 of Trump’s executive orders had been made public by the National Archives.
Once a president signs an executive order it takes immediate effect. After signing, the White House sends it to the Federal Register Office where it is published in the official gazette, making it legally binding for government offices and agencies. However, courts can deem an executive order unconstitutional and it can also be overturned by another executive order.
Whenever Trump signs an executive order or any official document, he proudly shows his signature. Often more than the content of the order, people’s attention is drawn to his distinctive, bold and angular signature—almost like a mountain range. The secret behind this unique signature is not a regular pen but a permanent marker- the Sharpie. Unlike other presidents who used traditional pens, Trump preferred to use Sharpie markers. On his inauguration day, he distributed the markers he used for signing orders to his supporters infornt of the crowds.
Sharpie- the symbol of Trump’s Presidency
President Trump enjoys keeping everything about him in the limelight, and his choice of Sharpie markers is not an exception. In many ways, he has tried to establish it as a symbol of his presidency. Whether it is a writing instrument or his political image, Trump wants to leave a permanent mark—just like a Sharpie. His bold, thick, and glossy signature is easily noticeable from a distance. Unlike regular ink pens, Sharpie’s permanent ink does not fade quickly and remains brighter for a long time.
Even before entering the White House, Trump frequently used markers to sign autographs taking notes and highlighting important texts. During his first presidency, his marker-signed documents became a notable aspect of his public image and it is happening in his next innings at the Oval office.
Sharpie is a brand of permanent markers manufactured by Newell Brands, a publicly traded company. Originally introduced as a permanent marker by Sanford Ink Company in 1964. Sharpie was later acquired by Newell in 1990 accroding to the website.
Whenever Trump signed an executive order or made notes for an important speech, the thick and glossy letters from his marker attracted media attention.
There are many incidents and memories of sharpie with trump during his first presidency. One of the most famous Trump’s attachment to Sharpies was when he signed the newly constructed U.S.-Mexico border wall in California on September 18, 2019 using a Sharpie marker. Another widely discussed moment was during his impeachment inquiry when a handwritten note of his went viral. In that note his writting on ‘I want no quid pro quo. Tell Zelensky.’
Even during the investigations against him in 2022, a document with Trump’s old writings—again done with a Sharpie—was found. A signature from 2005 also showed that he had been using Sharpies for a long time. Additionally, during his 2016 election campaign, a camera captured a piece of paper in Trump’s hand containing vote percentages written with a Sharpie, sparking curiosity and discussion.
The “SharpieGate” Controversy
The most controversial use of a Sharpie by Trump came in September 2019. While briefing the media about Hurricane Dorian, he displayed a weather map showing the storm’s path. A black Sharpie-drawn line extended the hurricane’s trajectory into Alabama—contradicting official forecasts. The National Weather Service later clarified that Alabama was not in danger, but Trump insisted that his map was accurate. This incident was mockingly dubbed ‘SharpieGate’ and it led to widespread criticism and the creation of internet memes targeting Trump.
Sharpie Distribution on Inauguration Day
On January 20, 2025, the first day of his second term Trump distributed his favorite markers to his supporters at the Capital One Arena. He personally handed out the Sharpies he used to sign executive orders, appearing visibly pleased while doing so. Trump always seeks to stand out in every possible way.
Why does Trump prefer a permanent marker over traditional pens ? Is his connection to Sharpies recent, or does it date back further ? Interestingly, in his first term, Trump initially used traditional pens like his predecessors before shifting to markers.
In a 2018 HBO documentary, Trump explained his preference for Sharpies. He mentioned that expensive pens did not produce clear and bold signatures. According to him, Sharpie markers provide better visibility and make his signature more clear and sharp. He even instructed company representatives to design a custom Sharpie with black ink, gold trim, and his signature printed on show that it looks like rich. Trump claimed that the black color added a rich appearance. He also said, ‘Expensive pens don’t write well. I switched to Sharpies—they write well and are affordable and are bold like me.’He even used Sharpies in his personal diaries.
Presidential Preferences: What Pens Did Other Presidents Use?
On his first day as president in 2017, Trump used specially designed Cross pens to sign his first executive order. He used a Century II Black Lacquer and Gold Rollerball Pen manufactured by A.T. Cross Company. During his first term he signed a total of 220 executive orders. Comparatively, Biden signed 160 executive orders, Obama signed 147 in his first term (2009) and 129 in his second term (2014).
Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton used Cross Townsend Pens. Obama also used Century II Black Lacquer and Gold Rollerball Pens, just like Trump. While Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush also used Cross pens, the official adoption of Cross White House Pens began during Clinton’s presidency, as documented in the U.S. Presidential Archives.
According to CNN, Trump, Obama, and Bush all used refillable pens. Bush’s pens had blue ink, whereas both Trump and Obama preferred black ink. Trump took his Sharpie obsession further by ordering a customized version featuring his signature and the presidential seal. On his first day in office during his first presidency, Trump jokingly said that, ‘We’re going to need a lot of pens.’ In contrast, President Biden continued the traditional approach by using the same old-design pens used by past presidents.
A.T. Cross Company is based in Rhode Island. It has been supplying pens to the White House for many years. The Cross Century Rollerball Pen used by Biden, features a black lacquer body with gold accents along with the presidential seal and signature. Trump’s Sharpie markers also had his signature and the presidential seal. Presidents’ pens are custom-designed. Before a new president takes office, the pen company presents various designs for approval. The chosen design is finalized before the official transition of power. So that the pens are ready for signing executive orders on the first day in office.
Although Cross pens were used by Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, the first official use of Cross pens in the White House began with President Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States.
Bill Clinton, however did not use a Cross pen. Instead, he used a Parker ballpoint pen with a gold-plated metal clip. According to New York Magazine, the pen used by Clinton is no longer available on the market.
Barack Obama, during his tenure, used two types of pens. One was black, while the other was a combination of black and white.
After Obama, Donald Trump became the President of the United States. Upon taking office, the Century II model pen was placed on his desk just like previous presidents. However, he later switched to a Sharpie marker stating that the expensive pen did not write well.
There are many interesting anecdotes about U.S. presidents and their use of pens. Some have signed executive orders or policies with just one pen, while others have used more than 20 pens for a single signing. Obama used 22 different pens to sign the Affordable Care Act into law. He did this so that those who played a key role in passing the legislation could receive the pen as a token of recognition. Among those who received the pens used to sign the 2010 healthcare law were Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi. This law is commonly known as Obamacare.
Interestingly, Trump used a pen from the same company while attempting to repeal Obamacare, but his effort was unsuccessful.
President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 used 75 pens to sign civil rights law. According to the White House archives, he distributed those pens to key leaders and social activists who had contributed to the passage of the legislation including Martin Luther King Jr.
Trump’s thick and bold handwriting is often visible in his notes, whether for official use or personal messages. Yet, he has never stopped using Sharpies. Perhaps his habit of showcasing signed orders and giving special importance to marker has become a signature aspect of his presidency.
In the USA, it is a unique but meaningful tradition for presidents to gift the pens they use for signing laws to those who played a significant role in shaping the legislation. This practice conveys a strong message of appreciation.
In contrast, Nepal lacks an archival system that records who contributed to the creation of policies and laws. The government could develop such a system using its existing resources and personnel, without requiring significant investment. If implemented, this practice would provide future generations with valuable insights into the legislative process when studying law and governance.
This article was originally published in Kantipur Koseli on 22nd March of 2025 in Nepali Language. This is the translated version of the Nepali article. Here is the Link of the article: डोनाल्ड ट्रम्पको सार्पी साइनो
