White House Insider Trading Scandal: Teleprompter Operator Gabriel Perez at Center of Investigation

The federal agency responsible for regulating prediction markets has launched an investigation into White House employee Gabriel Perez, the longtime teleprompter operator for President Donald Trump, over allegations of insider trading. According to sources, Perez made trades on Kalshi, a prediction site, that were flagged for possible insider activity. Kalshi referred the matter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal agency responsible for regulating prediction markets. Perez, who serves as the deputy assistant to the president and technical advisor, stands accused of exploiting his position to profit from insider information.

Gabriel Perez, a seasoned member of the Trump administration, has worked closely with the President for over a decade. As the teleprompter operator, Perez has access to sensitive information, including the President's speeches and remarks. In a memo circulated earlier this year, the White House warned staff against insider trading on prediction markets, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses. The warning stated, 'The misuse of nonpublic information by government employees for financial benefit is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated.'

The investigation centers on Perez's activity on Kalshi's 'mention markets,' where users can bet on the words and phrases public figures, including Trump, use at speeches and events. The CFTC has taken notice of the trades, flagging them for potential insider activity. Perez reportedly profited from the trades, raking in more than $90,000. The profits, however, have been frozen, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The allegations have sparked widespread concern, given the high stakes involved. Prediction markets have gained immense popularity this year, with many high-profile figures using them to wager on significant events. The Trump administration has been vocal in its support of prediction markets, with CFTC Chair Mike Selig vowing to crack down on insider trading. Selig's comments have created a sense of unease, as the White House grapples with the implications of an insider trading scandal.

The White House, in response to accusations, has downplayed the incident. A spokesperson insisted that the staffer in question is cooperating fully with the CFTC investigation. The statement reads, 'The White House has strict ethics guidelines that we expect all staffers and officials to follow. The staffer in question is fully cooperating with the CFTC.'

CNN has partnered with Kalshi to harness the site's data for coverage of major events. The collaboration allows the network to leverage Kalshi's insights, making it an indispensable tool for news consumers. CNN editorial employees, however, are prohibited from trading on prediction markets. The partnership underscores the site's influence and importance in the media landscape. Despite the investigation, the White House remains tight-lipped about the details.

Trump's affinity for Perez is well-documented. During a campaign event in 2024, the President extolled the praises of his teleprompter operator: 'I have a guy, Gabe. He's excellent. I've had some real bad ones, but I have Gabe.'

Perez's compensation reflects his esteemed role within the Trump administration. According to a report filed with Congress, Perez earned a salary of $175,000 in 2026. As Deputy Assistant to the President and Technical Advisor, his duties span a broad spectrum of responsibilities. The revelation of the insider trading scandal now casts doubt on Perez's judgment and ability to carry out these key tasks.