President Trump told Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy on Saturday he is expecting to make "one or two major changes" to his Cabinet.
"The president told me he's perplexed by all of these reports there's chaos at the White House or mass staff changes," Ruddy told ABC News "This Week With George Stephanopoulos" Sunday. "He told me that he thinks the White House is operating like a 'smooth machine' – his words.
"He did say that he's expecting to make one or two major changes to his government very soon, and that's going to be it."
Ruddy quoted other White House sources as saying Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin will soon depart the Cabinet.
Ruddy also noted there are many false reports about White House staff changes.
"People like Ben Carson, I'm told the president is happy with the job he's doing – he will be staying," Ruddy told ABC host Martha Raddatz.
"Chief of Staff [John] Kelly, the president is happy with the job he is doing – he will be staying."
The changes are not a function of "chaos" as much as a political outsider finding his way in the White House, Ruddy added.
"The president was never in politics before, remember," Ruddy told Raddatz. "He was a business guy, he was an entertainer, he came into this job, he didn't know anyone in politics, and he's brought in a team that's been very good in many areas, [Secretary of Defense] Gen. [James] Mattis for instance, [CIA Director and now Secretary of State nominee] Mike Pompeo.
"You know, there's certain people that just didn't work. Rex Tillerson didn't click with the president. He didn't have the political smarts for someone to run the State Department – never engaged with his own staff at the State Department.
"So, I think the president's making like he's trying to improve the type of people he's bringing in. [National Economic Council Chairman Larry] Kudlow and [National Security Adviser John] Bolton – you might disagree with some of their views – they're much stronger personalities as they're coming into the White House, and I think they're going to give a level of stability, and I think they're going to be a great help to Gen. Kelly."
As for the continued intrigue about President Trump's past romantic relationships, Ruddy questioned the motivation of adult movie actress Stormy Daniels' hiring of a political "hit" man attorney Michael Avenatti and asking who is "funding her tremendous public relations effort."
Ruddy wondered if "60 Minutes" would ask Stormy Daniels who is paying for her legal and public relations operation.
Ruddy quoted the president as calling Daniels claims a "political hoax."
Ruddy noted Avenatti has worked for no less than 150 Democratic political campaigns, and has been an adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"You know, at the bottom line, there's just never been a claim of harassment," Ruddy told Raddatz. "So, the president looks at this – and I think he's looking at it like I'm looking at it – this is politically motivated to hurt and embarrass him in some way.
". . . I think the American people are really dismissing this as political witch hunts."
Ruddy said the president's approval polls are hitting recent records, including Gallup at 40 percent and Rasmussen at 48 percent.