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Brian Kilmeade under fire for 'dumba**' hot mic comment after Republican vote for Kevin McCarthy for Speaker

The incident unfolded during a roll call vote in which Rep Don Bacon, a Nebraska congressman, cast his vote for Kevin McCarthy rather than Jim Jordan

WASHINGTON, DC: Fox News presenter Brian Kilmeade triggered a wave of reactions on social media after a hot mic incident in which he expressed his frustration following the failure of House Republicans to elect Republican representative Jim Jordan as House Speaker.

The incident unfolded during a roll call vote in which Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska congressman, cast his vote for Kevin McCarthy rather than Jim Jordan, who was vying for the role of House Speaker.

This choice by Rep Bacon caught Kilmeade off-guard, leading the Fox News morning show host to label him a "dumbass" during a live broadcast, The Hill reported.

Internet reacts to Brian Kilmeade's hot mic moment

Critics of Kilmeade were quick to take to social media to condemn his comments, with some going so far as to accuse him of "propagandist" behavior.

"So much for a journalist being objective, unbiased. Must just be another opinionated propagandist. Fox News, disappointing," one posted on X.

"Way to go, @kilmeade. You’re such a stooge. Fair and balanced? You clowns at Fox are lying propagandists," another wrote.

"Maybe Fox News shouldn't be choosing the Speaker," someone else offered.

"A Kilmeade saying something into a microphone that they may regret later isn't a surprise," another added.

While Kilmeade's comments attracted harsh criticism, there were those who supported him.

"Saying what we all think," a comment read.

"I think it's safe to say Kilmeade was acting as the voice of millions of Americans," another reacted.

"That was actually great," someone else chimed in.

"Hilarious. And he was 100% correct," another wrote.

Jim Jordan's Speaker bid and GOP infighting

Jim Jordan's bid for House Speaker encountered significant setbacks, with the House going into recess as the GOP firebrand attempted to secure more votes.

The possibility of multiple voting rounds remains, and it is unclear whether Jordan would eventually withdraw his bid for Speaker.

This tumultuous situation within the Republican Party is the result of the recent ousting of Kevin McCarthy, who became the first Speaker in history to be removed by colleagues just two weeks ago.

Jordan lost the support of four GOP lawmakers during the initial vote, and the number of defectors continued to rise as more Republicans voted for alternative candidates.

The internal divisions and turmoil within the GOP have raised concerns that the situation may deteriorate further during additional voting rounds. Rep Ken Buck, who voted for an alternative candidate, stated, "I don't like Tom Emmer," but later said he meant it as a "joke."

Jim Jordan's ability to secure the Speaker position hinged on gaining the support of a majority of Republican votes, and with all Democrats expected to vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The House's inability to elect a Speaker has also paralyzed legislative activities, further complicating critical matters, including government funding and international affairs.

Jordan, a revolutionary alternative to the more establishment figures within the Republican Party, had garnered support from former president Donald Trump, who endorsed him for the top Republican position.

Trump reiterated his endorsement via the Truth Social platform, stating, "Jim Jordan will be a GREAT Speaker of the House. As everyone knows, I have long ago given him my Complete and Total Endorsement!"