Warren & Merkley grill White House over aide’s $172k CFTC fine

Gabriel Perez, the White House’s teleprompter operator, allegedly used early access to Trump’s prepared remarks to bet on Kalshi mention markets before the speeches aired.

The hit

Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren & Jeff Merkley are demanding the White House explain how it is handling ethics concerns over its teleprompter operator’s alleged inside-information betting, according to The Block. The pair sent a letter saying the administration has failed to take “meaningful action” after the aide allegedly profited from nonpublic access to Trump’s remarks.

Why it matters

The case feeds a wider fight over prediction markets & insider access. Warren has vowed to “end the current Wild West-style lack of oversight” in the sector. For bettors, it signals closer scrutiny of who gets information first & when.

The record

CFTC order against Gabriel Perez	$172,000-plus fine (August 2026)
Alleged conduct	Read Trump’s prepared remarks shortly before delivery
Separate case	US Army soldier allegedly used confidential information to bet on Polymarket ahead of Maduro’s capture
Senate letter recipient	White House Counsel Will Scharf
Political context	Warren set to chair Senate Banking Committee after Democrats’ midterm wins

What happens next

Watch for the White House’s response to the letter & for any Senate Banking Committee action.

Sources: Sen. Warren, Merkley raise ethics concerns over Trump aide’s prediction market bets

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