Trump teleprompter operator suspended for betting on speeches
Gabriel Perez, who operates the teleprompter for US President Donald Trump, has been suspended and placed on unpaid leave following claims that he wagered US$90,000 on the outcomes of Trump’s speeches via the Kalshi prediction market. The White House announced the suspension on Friday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that Perez would no longer hold his position. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is currently probing Perez for possible insider trading. Kalshi detected unusual trading patterns during its customer onboarding and market monitoring, subsequently notifying the CFTC. Robert DeNault, Kalshi's enforcement chief, affirmed that the exchange reported the trades and is aiding regulators. Perez is cooperating with the CFTC's inquiry. Sources chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
Key facts
- Gabriel Perez is a teleprompter operator for Donald Trump.
- Perez allegedly made US$90,000 betting on Trump's speeches.
- He was suspended and placed on unpaid administrative leave.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the suspension.
- Perez is under investigation by the CFTC for potential insider trading.
- Kalshi identified the suspicious trading activity and referred it to the CFTC.
- Robert DeNault, head of enforcement at Kalshi, confirmed the referral.
- Perez is cooperating with the CFTC investigation.
Entities
Institutions
- White House
- Kalshi
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Locations
- United States
- Washington, D.C.