Trump claims Pulte will investigate ‘rigged elections’ in temporary role

US president’s appointee for acting director of national intelligence has sparked bipartisan criticism

Donald Trump has suggested his controversial ally Bill Pulte will investigate “rigged elections” while serving as the country’s top intelligence official, as the US president continues to make unfounded allegations about voting.

But Pulte, whom Trump appointed as acting director of national intelligence earlier this week, will only serve in the role temporarily, the president claimed on Thursday.