WATCH: Trump believes his Kalshi-betting teleprompter operator is a ‘disgrace,’ Leavitt says
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-16 13:26:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Calls Betting Scandal “A Disgrace” After White House Teleprompter Operator Wins Big on Speech Wagers
President Donald Trump has condemned the actions of a White House teleprompter operator who allegedly won more than $100,000 by betting on the content of the president’s speeches. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump “believes it’s deeply unfortunate and frankly a disgrace” that the employee, Gabriel Perez, placed wagers on an online prediction market, Kalshi, using inside knowledge of upcoming presidential remarks.
Trump Orders Immediate Action
Leavitt stated that the decision to place Perez on unpaid administrative leave was made directly by the president. The operator is now cooperating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as the investigation proceeds. Trump’s swift response underscores his stated commitment to ethical conduct within the White House.
White House Emphasizes Strict Ethics
Leavitt further clarified that no other staffers are under investigation and that the White House counsel had no prior awareness of the alleged bets. She reiterated the administration’s position: “There are very strict ethical guidelines here at the White House that explicitly state not to do this, and the White House counsel’s office makes that clear to all of us who sign up to work in government on behalf of the president.” According to Leavitt, Perez violated these guidelines and is now facing the consequences.
Allegations and Fallout
Perez is accused of betting on more than a dozen Trump speeches, including high-profile events such as the State of the Union in February and a Medal of Honor ceremony. The incident has raised questions about internal controls and the potential for abuse of privileged information within the administration.
Conclusion: Trump’s Response and the Broader Implications
President Trump’s condemnation of the teleprompter operator’s actions and his decision to place the employee on leave highlight the seriousness with which the White House is treating the incident. The administration’s emphasis on ethical guidelines and cooperation with regulators will be closely watched as the investigation unfolds. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust and integrity at the highest levels of government.