Key Takeaways

• The Leavitt briefing stopped at 64 minutes and 30 seconds, surprising many bettors
• Traders on a prediction market won 50 times their money when it missed 65 minutes
• Karoline Leavitt introduced new health guidelines and discussed Venezuela at the briefing
• Critics and strategists now demand tighter rules for prediction markets

Leavitt Briefing Shocks Gamblers

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s latest appearance at the White House caused an unexpected stir. Gamblers had bet on her daily press briefing lasting more than 65 minutes. Yet she ended her talk just 30 seconds before that mark. As a result, some traders won big, and critics cried foul.

Unexpected End of Leavitt Briefing

At the start, Leavitt gave her usual warm greeting. She then rolled out new dietary advice for the “Making America Healthy Again” campaign. She also addressed President Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela. Later, she spoke about seizing a Venezuelan-linked tanker for violating sanctions. Finally, she mentioned a website mocking the January 6 Capitol riot.

Just when reporters thought she would take more questions, she paused. She thanked the press and walked away. Many looked at their watches in disbelief. They had almost reached 65 minutes. Still, the briefing stopped at 64 minutes and 30 seconds.

How the Leavitt Briefing Triggered Market Chaos

On the prediction market Kalshi, traders could bet on the briefing’s length. They had two choices: “over 65 minutes” or “under 65 minutes.” Before the event, the “over” side showed a 98 percent chance to win. However, seconds before the mark, that bet failed.

Traders who picked “under” made 50 times their stake in just seconds. An influencer called PredictionMarketTrader shared the news. He explained that speaking time counted from the first audible word to the last. Even pauses between words were included.

Big Wins for Prediction Market Traders

Because Leavitt ended so close to 65 minutes, the market swung wildly. Many traders cheered their sudden windfall. Some called their gains life-changing. Others posted screenshots of their profits on social media. One trader wrote that the price change felt like insider trading.

Meanwhile, other gamblers fumed. They believed someone inside the White House knew when the briefing would end. One critic noted that Leavitt looked up at something before she left. That moment fueled rumors she timed her exit to help certain traders.

Social Media Erupts Over Leavitt Briefing

After the briefing, X lit up with comments. A Democratic strategist called the moment “the dumbest timeline.” A prediction market fan insisted this was not insider trading. Yet others warned that these markets could become tools for bribery. One user demanded that prediction markets get banned.

Political commentators said the event was untenable. They argued that betting on government events needed strict rules. Some urged Congress to extend bans on stock trading by lawmakers to these markets too.

Calls Grow to Curb Prediction Markets

This Leavitt briefing incident has renewed debate over prediction markets. Supporters say they offer honest crowd wisdom. Skeptics worry they invite manipulation. Now, both sides want clearer oversight. Legislators may soon propose new laws.

Regardless of what comes next, the episode made one thing clear. Even a half-minute change in a press briefing can spark big money and big drama. As soon as Karoline Leavitt stepped off the stage, the small world of political betting changed forever.

FAQs

Why were people betting on the length of the briefing?

People used a prediction market that let them wager on how long the briefing would last. It works like a simple yes-or-no bet based on a set time.

How did traders win so much money?

Before the briefing, it seemed almost certain to pass 65 minutes. When it didn’t, those who bet “under” saw huge odds change. That sudden shift multiplied their winnings by 50.

Could someone inside the White House have tipped off traders?

Some bettors suspect an insider. They point to Leavitt’s glance at the clock before ending. However, there is no proof of wrongdoing so far.

Will prediction markets face new rules now?

Many critics are calling for regulation. Congress may look into extending bans on political figures and insiders using these markets. Changes could come in the next few months.