National security adviser John Bolton leaned on a former lobbyist who was fired from President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's transition team to build the National Security Council (NSC), according to a report from Politico.

Sources told the outlet that Bolton consulted Matthew Freedman, a consultant with extensive foreign policy experience, while building the the council earlier this year. According to Politico, Freedman played a key role in the job applicants' interview process before Bolton officially assumed his post.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another source told Politico that Freedman's involvement with the job applicants was limited to taking part in "listening sessions" rather than in a formalized interview setting.

NSC spokesman Robert Palladino confirmed that Freedman weighed in on job candidates.

“Ambassador Bolton received over 500 resumes from applicants seeking to join his team on the National Security Council,” Palladino told Politico.

“Consulting with trusted colleagues, such as Mr. Freedman and Dr. Kupperman, not only makes practical sense, it also makes strategic sense," he continued, referencing Charles Kupperman, a friend of Bolton's who joined the NSC.

The Hill reached out to the White House for further comment.

Freedman's involvement could point to signs the Trump administration has not fulfilled President Trump's campaign promise of "draining the swamp" in Washington, D.C.

His work on the president's transition team focused on the NSC before he was fired for reportedly using his own consulting firm email address to coordinate meetings with other transition team officials.

Freedman also has a history of working for former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort Paul John ManafortOur Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Bannon trial date set in alleged border wall scam Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE, who has been indicted as a part of special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's probe into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia's election meddling.

Politico reports he did lobbying work for countries such as Bahamas, Barbados, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Nigeria and Peru, and that he represented Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos.