Prediction market operator Kalshi says it is investigating suspicious trades made around the time President Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is announced. Multiple outlets report that Kalshi opened the inquiry after noticing betting activity on its platform shortly before news organizations began reporting the appointment.
The reports, including details cited by the Wall Street Journal, say at least three bets were placed totaling about $173 and could pay out roughly $9,600 combined. Outlets describe these trades as occurring minutes to hours before the public announcement, prompting Kalshi to examine whether the activity was linked to advance knowledge or other improper conduct. Kalshi’s review is focused on specific transactions rather than making claims about who placed them or any wrongdoing beyond the need to assess the trades.
While the outlets agree on the existence of the investigation and the broad timing of the bets, they differ mainly in emphasis—some focus on the “suspicious” nature of the trades and the process behind Kalshi’s probe, while others highlight the approximate size and potential payout of the affected positions.
