Kalshi CEO admonished by MS NOW host for ducking Don Jr influence question

The CEO of Kalshi, the controversial prediction market platform, was put on the spot by MS NOW host Stephanie Ruhle for handing Don Trump Jr. a $300,000 stake in the company in 2025 as a “strategic adviser.”

His rambling answer left much to be desired and she cut him off and admonished him to return to the matter of the president’s son.

In a segment of the interview that can be seen in it’s entirety on YouTube, Tarek Mansour was asked about the relationship with Don Jr that came to light in 2025.

“I get asked a lot about Don, I mean, I think that is a fair question,” he began. “And the optics, I agree with you. I think we are facing sort of an optics issue, I think. But what I can tell you certainly — so we, in August 24th — and people, you know, now we're big. So when you're big, I realize now I'm 30, but like we're seen as the establishment. But, you know, two years ago, we're like a tiny startup with 20 people.”

“And we had spent the last six years really on this mission because, you know, I believe in prediction markets. That's why I did this. I believe in prediction markets more than anything. And we're so excited about finally having the opportunity to basically like put our name out and get, you know, and we were at the time working with basically affiliates and influencers and people with, in with the mic that could help —,” he continued.

“Let’s get back to Don,” Ruhle interrupted.

“Yeah, that's what I'm talking about,” he protested. “People with a mic that can help us get the message out. And anytime we honestly, anyone who likes, does like prediction markets we wanted to work with because we wanted to get the word out about what prediction markets are.”

“Don has 10 million followers on Twitter. He's a big mic, he has a huge following and he likes the idea of going direct. You know, tweeting,” he attempted.

“And he has huge influence over this administration,” the MS NOW host reminded him.

“And the key thing is that we did it before the election. It was not a political decision and it still isn't — that's the key thing,” he responded.

- YouTubeyoutu.be