Former Attorney General Eric Holder defended his comment about “kick[ing]” Republicans on Thursday, telling his critics to “stop the fake outrage.”

“I’m obviously not advocating violence,” Mr. Holder tweeted. “I’m saying Republicans are undermining our democracy and Democrats need to be tough, proud and stand up for the values we believe in — the end.”

Ok, stop the fake outrage. I’m obviously not advocating violence. (In fact, when I was AG violent crime in the US was historically low.) I’m saying Republicans are undermining our democracy and Democrats need to be tough, proud and stand up for the values we believe in - the end. — Eric Holder (@EricHolder) October 11, 2018

The Obama-era official came under fire after he gave an aggressive twist to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s motto.

“Michelle always says ‘When they go low, we go high.’ No. No. When they go low, we kick them,” he said while speaking at an event for Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams.

Mr. Holder’s viral moment came on the heels of Hillary Clinton telling CNN that civility in politics cannot resume until Democrats retake control of Congress.

Mrs. Obama denounced the aggressive rhetoric on Thursday.

“Fear is not a proper motivator. Hope wins out,” she said on NBC’s “Today” show, “And if you think about how you want your kids to be raised, how you want to think about life and their opportunities. Do you want them afraid of your neighbors? Do you want them angry, do you want them vengeful? We think of the values that we try to promote to our children.”

President Trump also weighed in on the controversial statement, calling it “dangerous” during an interview on Fox News.

“He better be careful what he’s wishing for,” Mr. Trump said, “that’s a disgusting statement to make.”

Mr. Holder is reportedly eyeing a potential 2020 run for president. Mr. Trump brushed off the possible challenge, saying the former attorney general would be “gobbled up” in a race.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.