Trump’s teleprompter operator under investigation for insider trading, sources say
Trump’s Teleprompter Operator Under Investigation for Kalshi Trading
Trump s teleprompter operator under investigation – Trump’s teleprompter operator under investigation by federal regulators for potential insider trading on prediction markets, according to multiple sources. Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator, faces scrutiny after making trades on the Kalshi platform that were flagged for possible insider activity. The trades involved “mention markets,” where users wager on which words and phrases public figures will use during speeches and events. This development marks a significant moment for both the White House and the growing prediction market industry.
Regulatory Response and Trading Details
Kalshi referred its findings to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency overseeing prediction markets. One source revealed that Perez generated more than $90,000 in profits from the trades in question, though those profits have since been frozen pending investigation. Robert DeNault, Kalshi’s head of enforcement, provided a statement confirming their cooperation: “Our surveillance team promptly flagged and referred these trades to the CFTC, and we are cooperating and assisting regulators.”
Perez has been fully cooperative with the CFTC investigation, according to sources familiar with the matter. CNN has contacted the White House, the CFTC, and Perez directly for additional comment. A CFTC spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the investigation publicly. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump was aware of the reports and expressed his disappointment. Leavitt stated that Perez was placed on unpaid administrative leave, and another staff member will operate the teleprompter for Trump’s upcoming address to the nation on election integrity.
Historical Context and White House Ethics
This case represents the first known instance of a White House employee allegedly involved in an insider trading scheme on prediction markets. These platforms have experienced explosive growth in popularity throughout 2026. Earlier this year, the White House issued warnings to its staff regarding insider trading on prediction markets. The March 24 memo explicitly stated that “the misuse of nonpublic information by government employees for financial benefit is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated.”
Despite this warning, CFTC chair Mike Selig, a Trump appointee, has committed to cracking down on insider trading regardless of where it originates. Perez holds a unique position as Trump’s trusted teleprompter operator, having traveled and worked alongside the president for approximately a decade. He ranks among the handful of aides the president trusts most with his remarks and is frequently the last person to review Trump’s speeches before delivery.
Given the president’s habit of making last-minute edits to public remarks, he maintains an extremely close working relationship with Perez. Trump has previously argued that Perez is the only person capable of operating his teleprompter effectively. His official title is “deputy assistant to the president and technical advisor.” According to a report submitted to Congress, Perez’s 2026 salary stands at $175,000, making him one of the highest-paid members of White House staff.
“The White House has strict ethics guidelines that we expect all staffers and officials to follow,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told ABC News, which first reported the story. Ingle added, “The staffer in question is fully cooperating with the CFTC.”
Trump has publicly praised Perez during campaign events. During an appearance in Reno on the 2024 campaign trail, the president said, “I have a guy, Gabe. He’s excellent. I’ve had some real bad ones, but I have Gabe.” CNN maintains a partnership with Kalshi and utilizes its data to cover major events, though CNN editorial employees are prohibited from trading on prediction markets.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how Perez accessed nonpublic information and whether other White House employees may have engaged in similar trading activities. The outcome could set important precedents for both government ethics and the regulation of prediction markets going forward.
