Trump: ‘Base is far bigger & stronger than ever before’

President Trump on Monday touted the strength of his base and his accomplishments thus far in office.

The Trump base is far bigger & stronger than ever before (despite some phony Fake News polling). Look at rallies in Penn, Iowa, Ohio…….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2017

…and West Virginia. The fact is the Fake News Russian collusion story, record Stock Market, border security, military strength, jobs…..

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2017

Trump also said it’s hard to believe his base is getting stronger “with 24/7 Fake News.”

Hard to believe that with 24/7 #Fake News on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, NYTIMES & WAPO, the Trump base is getting stronger!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2017

{mosads}The comments come as Trump’s job approval ratings continue to fall.

A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month found that just 33 percent of respondents approved of the job Trump was doing, compared to 61 percent who disapproved.

They also come after special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election meddling moved to a new phase with the impaneling of a grand jury.

Earlier Monday morning, Trump went after The New York Times, saying the publication was “inept.”

The Times on Saturday reported that Vice President Pence and other Republicans are positioning themselves for possible White House campaigns in 2020. Pence on Sunday called rumors that he is working behind the scenes to run for president in 2020 “laughable and absurd.”

— This report was updated at 7:20 a.m.