A spokeswoman for Donald Trump on Tuesday refuted a New York Times story that said former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, who left the network in July amid sexual harassment charges, is helping Trump prepare for his debates with Hillary Clinton this fall.

In a statement to the Washington Examiner, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said the Times story is "not accurate," and said Ailes is not helping with debate prep and has no role with the campaign.

"This is not accurate," Hicks told the Examiner. "He is not advising Mr. Trump or helping with debate prep. They are longtime friends, but he has no formal or informal role in the campaign."

The Times report said that Ailes is helping the Trump campaign with debate preparation, and cited three sources informed on the matter. The first debate is just 41 days away.

According to the report, Ailes' work is focused on the debates, which are viewed as the key to Trump reversing his standing in the polls nationally and in swing states, where he trails Clinton in some by double digits.

Ailes left Fox News on July 21 during the Republican National Convention after former host Gretchen Carlson accused him of sexual harassment, which led other women to make similar accusations dating back to his pre-Fox News life and work. He received $40 million as part of his exit from the network.

Ailes previously served as a top advisor Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in 1968, and a debate coach for Ronald Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988.