Prominent Fox News hosts Trey Gowdy and Brian Kilmeade are facing intense backlash after sharply criticizing Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) during an on-air segment Thursday morning.

Kilmeade, a co-host of the network’s flagship morning show, “Fox & Friends,” echoed the sentiment, accusing Gaetz of creating unnecessary division within the Republican Party. “Right, and so would I,” Kilmeade said. “Especially after how he blew up Kevin McCarthy with no plan B. You thought it was a lethal blow to the House majority, but it turns out America really wanted Republicans in charge. So we’ll see where that goes.”

The comments have struck a nerve with the network’s core audience, many of whom view Gaetz as a steadfast ally of former President Trump and a defender of conservative principles. Critics on social media blasted both Gowdy and Kilmeade, accusing them of betraying their audience by “trashing” a prominent figure within the MAGA movement.

On Wednesday Gaetz announced his immediate resignation from Congress following President-elect Trump’s nomination of him as the next attorney general. Gaetz, known for his fiery rhetoric and staunch loyalty to Trump, will not assume his House seat in the 119th Congress as he prepares for the prospective role in Trump’s administration.

Trump praised Gaetz’s selection, emphasizing his plans to reform the Justice Department and counter what he describes as “weaponized government.” A special election will determine Gaetz’s successor in Florida’s First Congressional District, a Republican stronghold. As Gaetz prepares for a likely contentious Senate confirmation process to become attorney general, his staunch allies and fiercest critics will continue to clash, both on the airwaves and behind closed doors.

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