Trump’s teleprompter operator under investigation for insider trading, sources say
Investigation Launched Into Trump’s Teleprompter Operator Over Kalshi Trading Activity
Trump s teleprompter operator under investigation – Federal regulators have initiated an inquiry into Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s long-serving teleprompter operator, regarding potential violations of insider trading regulations. According to two individuals with knowledge of the situation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is examining whether Perez improperly utilized confidential information when making trades on the Kalshi prediction platform. The White House employee’s trading activity caught the attention of Kalshi’s monitoring systems, prompting the company to escalate the matter to federal authorities. Perez’s transactions centered on what the platform calls “mention markets,” a betting category where participants wager on specific vocabulary and expressions that prominent figures—including the president—might incorporate into their public addresses and ceremonial appearances.
Financial Stakes and Regulatory Response
One source indicated that Perez accumulated profits exceeding $90,000 through the trades under scrutiny. These gains remain temporarily frozen pending the outcome of the investigation. Kalshi’s enforcement leadership emphasized the company’s proactive approach to the situation.
“Our surveillance team promptly flagged and referred these trades to the CFTC, and we are cooperating and assisting regulators,” stated Robert DeNault, Kalshi’s head of enforcement, in an official declaration.
The investigation represents a notable development in the rapidly expanding world of prediction markets, which have experienced dramatic growth in popularity throughout the current year. This marks the first documented case involving a White House employee allegedly participating in insider trading within this financial ecosystem.
Historical Context and White House Policy
Earlier this year, White House leadership issued guidance to its personnel concerning prediction market activities. The March 24 memorandum explicitly cautioned that government employees who exploit confidential information for personal financial gain face serious consequences. The document emphasized that such misconduct would not be tolerated within the administration. The CFTC has maintained a supportive relationship with prediction markets during the Trump administration. However, current CFTC chair Mike Selig, who was appointed by Trump, has committed to strengthening oversight and addressing potential abuses, including those originating from within the White House.
Perez’s Role and Compensation
Perez has maintained a professional relationship with Trump for approximately ten years, traveling extensively alongside the president and serving as a trusted confidant regarding speech preparation. As one of the select few aides granted access to Trump’s remarks before public delivery, Perez occupies a position of considerable responsibility. The president frequently makes last-minute adjustments to his speeches, necessitating close collaboration with his teleprompter operator. Trump has previously asserted that Perez possesses unique capabilities that make him indispensable to his speaking engagements. Financial records submitted to Congress reveal that Perez earned $175,000 in 2026, placing him among the highest-compensated members of the White House staff. His official designation reads “deputy assistant to the president and technical advisor.” During a campaign event in Reno in 2024, Trump publicly commended his teleprompter operator, remarking, “I have a guy, Gabe. He’s excellent. I’ve had some real bad ones, but I have Gabe.”
Current Status and Broader Implications
According to sources, Perez has been fully cooperative with CFTC investigators throughout the process. CNN has contacted the White House, the CFTC, and Perez directly for additional commentary. A CFTC representative declined to confirm or deny the existence of the investigation when questioned. Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, addressed the matter in statements to ABC News, which initially broke the story. “The White House has strict ethics guidelines that we expect all staffers and officials to follow,” Ingle explained. “The staffer in question is fully cooperating with the CFTC.” CNN maintains a business partnership with Kalshi and utilizes the platform’s data for comprehensive event coverage. However, the publication’s editorial staff members are prohibited from engaging in prediction market trades. Kaitlan Collins, Betsy Klein, and Kevin Liptak contributed reporting to this article.
