Farage and Johnson are obvious political bedfellows for Trump
John Bolton is considered and steeped in policy, but he's no stranger to Brexiteers either and is positive about trade prospects.
Friday 31 May 2019 16:07, UK
John Bolton is a shrewd, astute operator, well studied in the machinations of American bureaucracy.
He chooses his words carefully and, unlike so many who have made it to the Trump White House, he's skilfully avoided the chopping block, despite some foreign policy tensions in recent weeks.
Brexit and a UK/US trade deal is one issue the two men can firmly unite on though.
Trump's national security adviser has been consistently positive about the opportunities of a deal being reached.
Today, he offered more optimism, saying that the president "looks forward to an independent Britain" and raising the prospect of a three-way deal with Canada.
But Bolton, who has long kept a close eye on British politics, knows what a "delicate" moment it is for Britain, with a lively leadership battle to replace May.
Just before I spoke to Ambassador Bolton, the president had praised Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson as he left the White House.
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They are obvious political bedfellows for Mr Trump - they speak his language and share a love of the spontaneous.
Mr Bolton is considered and steeped in policy, but he's no stranger to Brexiteers either - reportedly meeting Iain Duncan Smith for lunch before he sat down for the interview with me.
This White House is unconventional and in many ways, a lot more open to outsiders than previous administrations.
Rumours are rife about whether President Trump will host Farage and Johnson for a private dinner.
It's a potentially awkward side-show for Prime Minister May as she tries to manage her exit and find a way to make meaningful progress between the two countries when she has one foot out the door.
But Mr Trump prides himself on keeping close allies, no matter what the political establishment might desire.
He was also pointedly positive about Mrs May when she announced she was stepping down and behind the scenes, I'm told, they talk often.
Trying to navigate a state visit and in-depth talks when Britain is in a state of flux is not easy for either side, but they both want to make this visit work.
Whatever talk there may be about a gulf between Mr Bolton and Mr Trump on Iran and North Korea, his national security adviser is a smart maneuverer who is surviving an era of huge political shifts and insists he's enjoying it too.
Whether you buy the idea he's the hawk to Trump's dove, he is most definitely a loyal and central figure at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.