Hot mic: Fox host appears to call GOP lawmaker who backed McCarthy for speaker a 'dumb*ss'

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade appeared to call Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon a "dumbass" in a hot mic snafu after the lawmaker cast a vote for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to return as Speaker of the House on Tuesday.

Bacon was among the 20 Republicans who did not cast a vote for House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan to become the next House Speaker during the Tuesday vote. Footage from Fox News shows the chamber floor and lawmakers casting their support.

After Bacon cast his vote for McCarthy, Kilmeade, who was not on camera, could be heard saying "dumbass" in apparent reference to the lawmaker.

Brian Kilmeade was caught on a hot mic calling Don Bacon a "dumbass" after Bacon voted for Kevin McCarthy.



McCarthy has endorsed Jim Jordan. pic.twitter.com/HnjQY8ANh2

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) October 17, 2023

Jordan ultimately failed to secure the speaker's gavel on the first round of voting and the chamber recessed after the final tally. A second vote is expected Tuesday. 

Kilmeade is a weekdays co-host of "Fox & Friends" and the host of "One Nation with Brian Kilmeade" on Saturdays.

Just the News has sought comment from Fox News.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.