President Trump sees loyalty as a one-way street. But he’s learning the hard way that many will not wilt before him.

Sessions appeared to push back firmly on remarks Trump made about his administration’s Justice Department under Sessions on Thursday.

Trump said of the department that is under his purview, “When everybody sees what’s going on in the Justice Department, I always put ‘justice’ now with quotes, it’s a very, very sad day.”

Of the Attorney General himself, Trump criticized, “I put in an attorney general who never took control of the Justice Department. Jeff Sessions, never took control of the Justice Department. It’s sort of an incredible thing.”

Sessions issued a statement via the DoJ’s spokeswoman on Twitter, defending the work and employees at the department.

Statement from the Attorney General pic.twitter.com/eMF0CPXLZZ

— Sarah Isgur Flores (@SarahFloresDOJ) August 23, 2018

In the statement, Sessions said:

“I took control of the Department of Justice the day I was sworn in, which is why we have had unprecedented success at effectuating the President’s agenda—one that protects the safety and security and rights of the American people, reduces violent crime, enforces our immigration laws, promotes economic growth, and advances religious liberty.

While I am Attorney General, the actions of the Department of Justice will not be improperly influenced by political considerations. I demand the highest standards, and where they are not met, I take action. However, no nation has a more talented, more dedicated group of law enforcement investigators and prosecutors than the United States.

I am proud to serve with them and proud of the work we have done in successfully advancing the rule of law.”