In response to a Donald Trump tweet claiming the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s reputation is in “tatters,” Eric Holder — the former US attorney general under Barack Obama — hit back with a tweet of his own defending the law enforcement agency.

“After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters – worst in History! But fear not, we will bring it back to greatness,” tweeted Trump early Sunday morning. After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters – worst in History! But fear not, we will bring it back to greatness. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2017

Several hours later, Holder decided that he wasn’t “letting this go.”

“Nope. Not letting this go. The FBI’s reputation is not in “tatters”. It’s composed of the same dedicated men and women who have always worked there and who do a great, apolitical job. You’ll find integrity and honesty at FBI headquarters and not at 1600 Penn Ave right now,” said Holder in a slam against the current administration.

Nope. Not letting this go. The FBI’s reputation is not in “tatters”. It’s composed of the same dedicated men and women who have always worked there and who do a great, apolitical job. You’ll find integrity and honesty at FBI headquarters and not at 1600 Penn Ave right now — Eric Holder (@EricHolder) December 3, 2017

It appears Trump’s tweets were a part of his growing attacks on federal law agencies in light of special counsel Robert Mueller’s escalating investigation into Russian tampering in the 2016 election. Additionally, Trump has long voiced his disdain for former FBI Director James Comey for not recommending the indictment of then-Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton last summer, as well as for his role in Mueller’s Russia probe.

[image via screengrab]

Follow the author on Twitter (@calebecarma).

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]