Teleprompter operator for President Trump accused of insider bets on speech content

Gabriel Perez is said to have used early access to remarks to trade on prediction platforms, gaining nearly 100000 dollars before Kalshi suspended the funds and contacted regulators.

US President Donald Trump long time teleprompter operator is under scrutiny for possible insider trading involving his speeches on online prediction platforms, the White House confirmed last Thursday.

Gabriel Perez, employed with Trump since the 2016 campaign, is accused of executing trades on Kalshi that drew flags for insider activity.

Kalshi Mentions feature lets users wager on specific words or phrases that public figures like Trump might utter during addresses.

Because Perez typically reviews the final version of remarks, he often learns of any last minute adjustments and anticipates the content.

Trump frequently departs from the prepared script and has noted that he improvises roughly 80 percent of the time.

Perez reportedly earned 100000 dollars via questionable trades before administrative leave

Records indicate that when Trump skipped teleprompter lines, Perez withdrew certain wagers knowing the scripted terms would not appear.

Bobby DeNault, Kalshi head of enforcement, stated the platform quickly identified the activity and forwarded details to the CFTC while continuing to support the inquiry.

Evidence shows Perez collected close to 100000 dollars across several events including a December address, the February State of the Union, and a March Medal of Honor event, yet Kalshi blocked withdrawals of those sums.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan chose not to file criminal charges, and Perez has discussed a possible CFTC settlement involving repayment of gains and future restrictions.

Perez had earlier drawn federal attention over changes made to the January 6 2021 Capitol address.

After the current inquiry, Perez was placed on leave, and a different staff member handled the teleprompter during last Thursday speech on election matters.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted the president views the reports as unfortunate and a disgrace.

She added that strict ethical standards apply and the individual will no longer serve in the role.

In March the White House circulated guidance cautioning staff against using prediction markets for insider trades and specifically named Kalshi and Polymarket.

Prediction market insider trading draws wider federal attention

The Perez matter arrives as regulators increase focus on prediction market abuses.

Recent cases include a soldier who bet on a foreign leader capture using classified data and a Google worker who traded on internal search trends.

Lawmakers from both parties are advancing measures to curb such practices and reduce conflicts of interest.

Senator Todd Young highlighted risks that those with nonpublic information could profit unfairly.

Senator Adam Schiff stressed the need for firm oversight rather than industry self regulation.

House Democrats urged the CFTC in April to address integrity concerns, and proposals target trading on elections and national security topics.

The Senate approved a resolution banning such trades by members and aides, while a House version has cleared committee.