Former CIA Director John Brennan criticized President Donald Trump in a tweet on Tuesday for claiming that he was tougher than former President Barack Obama on Russia.

It never ceases to amaze me how successful you have been making yourself so small, petty, and banal with your tweets. Your insecurity is well deserved, as is your concern over Russia investigation. Thomas Paine was right when he said, "These are the times that try men's souls." https://t.co/EfaDBlYejF — John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) February 20, 2018

Trump had made the claim earlier in a tweet of his own.

I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama, just look at the facts. Total Fake News! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018

Brennan headed the CIA under Obama from 2013 until January 2017, when he was not retained as director under Trump and Mike Pompeo was sworn in, the Washington Examiner reported.

Trump sent out numerous comments on Twitter concerning the Russian investigation since special counsel Robert Mueller issued indictments last Friday against 13 Russian individuals and three Russian groups for meddling in the 2016 American election, The Washington Times reported.

Trump also has repeatedly questioned why the Obama administration didn't do more to stop the election interference.

Former Obama national security spokesman Ned Price said the previous administration did warn about the meddling a month before the vote and that Obama also ejected 35 Russian spies from the United States following the election.