White House teleprompter operator placed on leave after betting on Trump speeches
Politics — 2026-07-16 15:25:00 — www.washingtonpost.com
President Trump Places White House Teleprompter Operator on Leave Amid Betting Scandal
President Donald Trump has placed a White House teleprompter operator on unpaid leave after it was discovered the staffer was placing online bets related to the president’s public remarks. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday that the president took direct action to suspend the staffer and stated that the individual is cooperating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Direct Presidential Response
According to Leavitt, President Trump personally made the decision to put the staffer on leave following revelations about the betting activity. The administration’s response highlights the seriousness with which the president is treating the matter, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and ongoing investigations.
Compliance with Federal Oversight
Leavitt emphasized that the staffer is complying with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency responsible for regulating derivatives markets, including futures and options. This compliance suggests that the White House is cooperating with authorities to address any potential legal or ethical violations.
No Public False Claims or Disparagements
In this instance, the excerpt does not include any direct false claims or disparagements made by President Trump. Instead, it focuses on the president’s response to the staffer’s actions and the steps taken to address the situation.
Conclusion
President Trump’s decision to place a teleprompter operator on unpaid leave over online betting related to his public remarks demonstrates a swift response to potential ethical violations within the White House. The administration’s cooperation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations. Readers should note that, in this case, the president’s actions were focused on upholding ethical standards rather than making public statements or claims.