White House downplays Trump’s meeting with John Bolton

The White House on Thursday downplayed speculation that President Trump could be eyeing former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton for a position in his administration. 

Bolton is scheduled to meet with Trump later Thursday, days after news reports surfaced the White House has a plan to force out Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. 

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Bolton is simply “a friend of the president” and described the meeting as “nothing more than a check in and a friendly visit.”

{mosads}News reports last week indicated that the White House is looking to replace Tillerson, with whom Trump has frequently clashed, with CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Bolton was considered for several high-ranking posts during the presidential transition but ultimately did not take a job.