Trump’s teleprompter operator under investigation for insider trading, sources say
Trump’s Teleprompter Operator Faces Insider Trading Probe
Trump s teleprompter operator under investigation – Federal regulators have launched an investigation into Gabriel Perez, the president’s teleprompter operator, over suspected insider trading violations. The inquiry focuses on whether Perez exploited nonpublic information while trading on Kalshi, a prediction market platform. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is reviewing trades made during recent presidential speeches and public appearances.
Trading Activity Raises Red Flags
The investigation centers on “mention markets,” where bettors wager on words and phrases that public figures might use. Perez’s trading patterns on these markets caught Kalshi’s surveillance team’s attention, prompting a referral to federal regulators. Robert DeNault, Kalshi’s enforcement chief, explained the situation:
Our surveillance team promptly flagged and referred these trades to the CFTC, and we are cooperating and assisting regulators.
Perez reportedly earned more than $90,000 from the trades now under scrutiny, with those profits temporarily frozen.
White House Ethics Guidelines
This case represents the first documented instance of a White House employee facing insider trading accusations in the prediction market sector. Earlier this year, White House leadership issued clear guidance to its workforce. A March 24 memorandum warned employees that using confidential government information for personal financial gain constitutes a serious violation.
The misuse of nonpublic information by government employees for financial benefit is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated.
The investigation underscores the administration’s commitment to ethical conduct across all levels.
Operator’s Longstanding Role
Perez has served as Trump’s teleprompter operator for approximately ten years, accompanying the president on travels and in daily work. He belongs to a select group of aides trusted with managing public remarks. As the final reviewer of speeches before delivery, Perez plays a crucial role given the president’s habit of making last-minute modifications. Trump has publicly praised his operator’s capabilities, stating during a 2024 campaign event:
I have a guy, Gabe. He’s excellent. I’ve had some real bad ones, but I have Gabe.
Regulatory Landscape and Next Steps
While the CFTC under the Trump administration actively promoted prediction markets as legitimate financial instruments, current chair Mike Selig—a Trump appointee—has committed to strengthening enforcement. This commitment extends to potential violations originating from within the White House itself. Financial records show Perez earns one of the highest salaries among White House staff at $175,000 for 2026, with the official title of deputy assistant to the president and technical advisor. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle confirmed to ABC News that the employee is fully cooperating.
The White House has strict ethics guidelines that we expect all staffers and officials to follow.
A CFTC representative declined to confirm or deny the investigation’s existence. CNN maintains a business partnership with Kalshi while its editorial staff members are prohibited from trading on the platform. Kaitlan Collins, Betsy Klein, and Kevin Liptak contributed reporting to this article.
