Hegseth bans use of nonpublic info for bets on U.S. military ops
Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has banned U.S. military personnel from using private military information to bet on U.S. military actions. The ban covers both secret and public information and includes online prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi because such betting could help enemies learn about U.S. military plans.Key Facts
- The ban applies to all Defense Department workers, including military and civilian staff.
- Bets on military-related prediction markets could reveal sensitive information to foreign enemies.
- Prediction markets named in the memo include Polymarket and Kalshi.
- Violating this ban may lead to disciplinary or criminal charges under military law or federal law.
- The memo was sent on October 20, 2026, to senior Pentagon leaders and combat commanders.
- This action comes after a U.S. Special Forces soldier was arrested for allegedly betting on a secret operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
- The soldier reportedly won over $409,000 by betting shortly after President Trump announced the capture.
- The soldier pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York.
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