BUSTED: National Enquirer operative works inside Trump administration

The longtime relationship between tabloid publisher David Pecker and President Donald Trump is drawing renewed attention after a bombshell New York Timesreport revealing more ties.

Pasquale Perrotta worked for American Media Inc. -- which publishes The National Enquirer -- during the 2016 presidential campaign. Longtime Trump friend David J. Pecker is A.M.I.'s chairman.

Perrotta is currently the leading the security detail for embattled EPA head Scott Pruitt.

In March, The Washington Post reported that Perrotta urged EPA officials to hire a business associate for a security contract with the department.

The $3,000 contract was to sweep Pruitt's office for bugs.

Trump has had a long relationship with Pecker.

In 2013, Trump nominated Pecker to be the CEO of Time magazine.

The internet has long mocked their relationship.