Former White House teleprompter operator fined $172,000 for insider trading in prediction markets

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced on Friday that former White House teleprompter operator Gabriel Perez has agreed to pay $172,000 to settle allegations of insider trading in the prediction market by using advance knowledge of presidential speeches.

Perez was able to access the content before the speeches were released due to his job, allowing him to bet on known outcomes. From December 2025 to February 2026, he profited over $107,500 from this. Under the settlement agreement, he must forfeit $107,539.02 in illegal gains, pay a civil penalty of $65,000, accept a three-year trading ban, and cease further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act.

The CFTC noted that the fine was significantly discounted under the new cooperation policy and praised Perez for providing exemplary assistance during the investigation, while also thanking exchange operator Kalshi for their cooperation in the case. This case highlights the insider trading risks associated with the growing popularity of prediction markets. Previously, a U.S. soldier was charged with insider trading related to military operations in Venezuela on Polymarket, and a MrBeast video editor was also fired during the Kalshi insider trading investigation.