White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday defended tweets President Donald Trump wrote earlier in the day that included a sexist attack on MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski .

I think the president has been attacked mercilessly on personal accounts by members of that program, Sanders said, referring to MSNBCs Morning Joe. When he gets attacked, hes going to hit back.

Sanders repeated her initial defense of the tweet, arguing that Trump fights fire with fire.

The things this show has called him, not just him but numerous members of his staff ... are very deeply personal, she added, saying she thinks its kind of like were living in the Twilight Zone.

Sanders argued against the Morning Joe hosts treatment of Trump, saying it wasnt the same for President Barack Obama .

If these attacks happened in previous administration, the rest of the media would have said, Guys, no way, hold on, but nobody does that, Sanders said. The president, hes not gonna step back.

NBCs Kristen Welker pointed out that Trump helped lead attacks on Obama, fueling the birther movement throughout the 44th presidents tenure. Sanders avoided addressing the birther issue.

I dont think you can expect someone to be personally attacked day after day, minute by minute and sit back, Sanders said. The American people elected a fighter, they didnt elect somebody to sit back and do nothing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.