**Title: Trump Teleprompter Operator Suspended Amid Betting Allegations**
**Date: July 16, 2026**
In a significant development, Gabriel Perez, the teleprompter operator for former President Donald Trump since 2016, has been suspended over allegations of placing bets on the online prediction market Kalshi based on the content of Trump's speeches. This decision was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that Perez has been placed on unpaid administrative leave and will no longer work at the White House.
The allegations suggest that Perez utilized his insider knowledge of Trump's speeches to profit from betting activities, reportedly netting over $100,000 (€85,900) in the process. The claims have raised serious ethical concerns regarding the integrity of the White House's operations and the potential misuse of confidential information.
Leavitt emphasized the White House's commitment to maintaining strict ethical guidelines, particularly concerning issues of this nature. "The White House has extremely strict ethical guidelines with respect to issues like this," she told reporters, underscoring the seriousness with which the administration is treating the situation.
The online prediction market Kalshi, where Perez allegedly placed his bets, has also taken action in response to the situation. Robert Denault, Kalshi’s lawyer and head of enforcement, announced that the company had alerted federal regulators, specifically the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), regarding the suspicious betting activities. Denault stated that the Kalshi surveillance team had promptly flagged and investigated the trades in question and referred them to the CFTC, which has regulatory oversight over such matters.
"We have been assisting regulators on this matter and provided all evidence that we collected, as we do with any referral," Denault added in a statement on social media platform X. The CFTC is currently looking into the allegations, and Perez is reportedly in settlement talks with the agency.
The situation has garnered significant media attention, with outlets like ABC News reporting on the unfolding events. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against Perez and whether any additional individuals may be implicated in this controversy.
This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the ethical practices within the White House and raises questions about the potential for conflicts of interest among staff members. The outcome of the investigation by the CFTC could have broader implications for the regulation of prediction markets and the ethical standards expected of government employees.
As developments continue to emerge, the focus will remain on how the White House and regulatory bodies respond to this incident and what measures may be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.