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

Key points

• 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.
• Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “He’s not going to be permanent because, you know, I don’t think he’d want to be permanent.” Trump went on to say that Pulte’s “energy” and “high integrity” will “be very good”, adding: “Again, it’s short term, but he may be very effective for a short period.” Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is a staunch Trump loyalist and does not have national intelligence experience.
• His appointment as head of national intelligence followed the exit of Tulsi Gabbard.
• “He’s a very smart guy,” Trump...