Folks, I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest scandal involving President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, and I’ve got to say, it’s a wild ride. According to two sources familiar with the matter, Perez is being investigated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for potential insider trading on a prediction market site called Kalshi. Because, you know, operating a teleprompter for the President isn’t enough, apparently, you’ve got to try to make some extra cash on the side by betting on what words and phrases Trump will say in his speeches.
I mean, can you blame the guy for trying? The White House has warned its staff about insider trading on prediction markets, but I guess Perez thought he was above the law or something. He made over $90,000 in profits from the trades in question, but now those profits are frozen. I’m sure he’s just thrilled about that.
So, Kalshi referred its findings to the CFTC, and now Perez is cooperating with the investigation. The CFTC chair, Mike Selig, has pledged to crack down on insider trading, even if it comes from the White House. I’m not holding my breath, but it’s nice to see someone taking this seriously.
Perez is one of the highest-paid members of the White House staff, with a salary of $175,000, and he’s been working with Trump for over a decade. He’s basically the guy who makes sure Trump’s teleprompter is working properly, and he’s even gotten praise from the President himself. But now, he’s in hot water, and I’m not sure how he’s going to get out of this one.
The White House has strict ethics guidelines, but I guess Perez thought he was exempt or something. The spokesperson, Davis Ingle, said that the staffer in question is fully cooperating with the CFTC, but I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean. Is Perez going to get off scot-free, or is he actually going to face some consequences?
In any case, this is just another example of how crazy politics can be. I mean, who would have thought that a teleprompter operator would be involved in an insider trading scandal? You can’t make this stuff up, folks.
As I finish my coffee and wrap up this article, I’ve got to say that it’s been a wild ride. The story is still unfolding, but one thing’s for sure: Gabriel Perez is in trouble, and it’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out. And on that note, I’ll leave you with this: if you’re going to try to make some extra cash on the side, maybe don’t do it by betting on what words and phrases the President will say in his speeches. Just a thought.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
