President Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy 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 Obama Michelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaOvernight Defense: House to vote on military justice bill spurred by Vanessa Guillén death | Biden courts veterans after Trump's military controversies Biden courts veterans amid fallout from Trump military controversies The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump's rally risk | Biden ramps up legal team | Biden hits Trump over climate policy MORE's oft-quoted line at the Democratic convention that "when they go low, we go high." Former Attorney General Eric Holder Eric Himpton HolderThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump's rally risk | Biden ramps up legal team | Biden hits Trump over climate policy Biden campaign forming 'special litigation' team ahead of possible voting battle Pompeo, Engel poised for battle in contempt proceedings 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 Schumer Chuck SchumerDemocrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise Pelosi, Schumer 'encouraged' by Trump call for bigger coronavirus relief package Schumer, Sanders call for Senate panel to address election security MORE (D-N.Y.) in which he warned that Trump-appointed Justices Brett Kavanaugh Brett Michael KavanaughGideon leads Collins by 12 points in Maine Senate race: poll Conservatives see glaring omission on Trump's Supreme Court shortlist Cruz says he wouldn't accept Supreme Court nomination MORE and Neil Gorsuch Neil GorsuchConservatives see glaring omission on Trump's Supreme Court shortlist Cruz says he wouldn't accept Supreme Court nomination Trump's Supreme Court list reveals influence of Clarence Thomas 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.