Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. on Tuesday defended the Trump administration amid criticism over conditions migrant children have faced in U.S. detention facilities.

Falwell lashed out at Russell D. Moore, a theologian and president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, for criticizing the administration following reports of detained migrant children held in unsanitary and inadequate conditions.

“The reports of the conditions for migrant children at the border should shock all of our consciences,” Moore said in a tweet Tuesday morning. “Those created in the image of God should be treated with dignity and compassion, especially those seeking refuge from violence back home. We can do better than this.”

The reports of the conditions for migrant children at the border should shock all of our consciences. Those created in the image of God should be treated with dignity and compassion, especially those seeking refuge from violence back home. We can do better than this. https://t.co/Cv3AmJgypn

— Russell Moore (@drmoore) June 25, 2019

In a direct response to Moore, Falwell criticized the preacher, asking him at one point in his tweet: “What gives you authority to speak on any issue?”

“Who are you @drmoore? Have you ever made a payroll?” Falwell wrote.

“Have you ever built an organization of any type from scratch?” he added. “What gives you authority to speak on any issue? I’m being serious. You’re nothing but an employee- a bureaucrat.”

Who are you @drmoore ? Have you ever made a payroll? Have you ever built an organization of any type from scratch? What gives you authority to speak on any issue? I’m being serious. You’re nothing but an employee- a bureaucrat.

— Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) June 25, 2019

Falwell’s tweet racked up a little more than 250 likes as of Tuesday evening, but the post garnered over 5,000 replies, the bulk of which criticized his comments.

This yes-man who claims to be a Christian leader of some sort is chastising a theologian and pastor for raising concerns about the plight of children. Even crazier, he thinks Moore has no standing to do so because he (allegedly) hasn't "built an organization" or "made a payroll." https://t.co/jKQW1PeaE3

— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) June 25, 2019

Once again this person disgraces himself. What does this snarky aside have to do with @drmoore's concern for the conditions immigrant children face at border facilities? Is there a decent person alive who doesn't think they shouldn't be detained in safe, sanitary conditions? https://t.co/elbI28s2Re

— David French (@DavidAFrench) June 25, 2019

Did Jesus ever meet a payroll? https://t.co/z3Bz0OOo4j

— Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) June 25, 2019

I am a border hawk (and have definitely paid for it in my mentions), which I mention only because it feels like necessary prelude to pointing out that this man is an ongoing embarrassment to evangelical Christianity. He is not fit to carry Russell Moore's shoes. https://t.co/Cul9S9Tr3H

— Esoteric Jeff (@EsotericCD) June 25, 2019

Jesus should sue Jerry Falwell Jr. for defamation. https://t.co/sYpfIzSSKf

— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) June 26, 2019