Trump Speech Teleprompter Operator Investigated for Profiting Over $100K from Speech Betting

Gabriel Perez, the longtime teleprompter operator for former U.S. President Donald Trump, is under investigation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for allegedly using non-public access to Trump’s speech drafts to place bets on the Kalshi prediction market platform. Perez reportedly earned over $100,000 by wagering on whether specific phrases or topics would be mentioned in various speeches, including the 2023 State of the Union address and the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The investigation began after Kalshi flagged suspicious betting activity and alerted regulators. Perez is accused of placing bets on more than a dozen speeches over three months and even canceling bets mid-speech when Trump deviated from the prepared text. Perez has cooperated with investigators and admitted to some of the allegations.

Following the revelations, the White House issued an internal memo warning staff against using non-public information for betting purposes. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to open a criminal investigation, and CFTC is seeking a settlement requiring Perez to return his profits and refrain from similar conduct in the future. Perez had previously been scrutinized by federal investigators regarding edits to Trump’s speeches around the January 6, 2021 events.

Trump himself has expressed mixed views on betting markets like Kalshi, supporting their operation despite personal reservations. The White House emphasized its expectation that all employees adhere to strict ethical standards.