President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE on Thursday defended his use of harsh rhetoric to respond to criticism from Democrats, even as he insisted the country has been united by his administration’s economic achievements.

“I think the country is far more united than people think. Ultimately what’s uniting the country is success,” Trump said in response to a question at a Fox News town hall about toning down political rhetoric in the country.

“But when they hit us we have to hit back,” he continued, suggesting it was key to his appeal in 2016. “I feel that. There’s two ways of doing it. Turning your cheek, but I wouldn’t be sitting up here if i turned my cheek.”

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Trump was asked later in the town hall “how are you going to bring us together,” where he reiterated his belief that politicians should not take criticism lying down.

“Politicians have to be able to be civil,” he said. “If they’re not, you have to fight back.”

He then accused Democrats of blunting his administration’s agenda on immigration before suggesting members of the other party will become more cooperative if he wins reelection.

The president has drawn repeated criticism for his rhetoric, particularly his criticism toward Democrats. He has derided lawmakers as “low IQ,” mocked their appearance, called them “crazy,” questioned if a deceased congressman went to hell, and at one point suggested four lawmakers of color should “go back” to their countries, even though all are American citizens.

Trump’s allies have regularly defended him as a “counterpuncher” in the face of controversy.

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His insistence on Thursday that he has to “hit back” drew a sharp contrast with former first lady Michelle ObamaMichelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaThe Hill’s Morning Report – Treasury, Fed urge more spending, lending to ease COVID-19 wreckage Budowsky: Michelle Obama or Tammy Duckworth for VP Michelle Obama urges class of 2020 to couple protesting with mobilizing, voting MORE’s oft-quoted line at the Democratic convention that “when they go low, we go high.” Former Attorney General Eric HolderEric Himpton HolderTrump official criticizes ex-Clinton spokesman over defunding police tweet Obama to speak about George Floyd in virtual town hall GOP group launches redistricting site MORE drew criticism when he recommended last year that when Republicans “go low, we kick them.”

Trump also was asked about and promptly seized on controversial comments from Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: US showing signs of retreat in battle against COVID-19 | Regeneron begins clinical trials of potential coronavirus antibody treatment | CMS warns nursing homes against seizing residents’ stimulus checks Schumer requests briefing with White House coronavirus task force as cases rise Schumer on Trump’s tweet about 75-year-old protester: He ‘should go back to hiding in the bunker’ MORE (D-N.Y.) in which he warned that Trump-appointed Justices Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughGOP senators urge Trump to back off Murkowski threat Judd Gregg: A government in free fall The 7 most anticipated Supreme Court decisions MORE and Neil GorsuchNeil GorsuchJudd Gregg: A government in free fall The 7 most anticipated Supreme Court decisions Chief Justice Roberts wisely defers to California governor in church challenge  MORE that they would “pay the price” if they voted against abortion rights.

“That was a real intimidation,” Trump said, responding to Schumer’s comments.

“If a Republican did what Schumer did, they’d be in jail right now,” he added.

The president defended his own criticism of liberal Supreme Court Justices, again characterizing his comments as a response to their attacks on him.

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