The White House has condemned allegations that a teleprompter operator bet on President Donald Trump’s speeches, describing the conduct as “a disgrace”. The staffer has been placed on paid administrative leave while a federal investigation proceeds, and the matter raises concerns about integrity and security within the presidential communications operation.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that President Trump had been briefed on the allegations. The report did not specify the nature or value of the alleged bets, nor identify the federal agency conducting the investigation.