Fox Business host Larry Kudlow sharply criticized Republican leaders in Congress during a Wednesday segment with Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), accusing the party of mishandling its narrow majorities in the House and Senate under President Donald Trump’s leadership. The on-air confrontation underscored growing frustration within conservative media over the pace of GOP legislative achievements since reclaiming control of both chambers, with personalities who supported Trump’s first-term agenda increasingly pressuring lawmakers to deliver on long-standing priorities.

Before Lankford joined the program, Kudlow — who served as director of the National Economic Council during Trump’s first term — delivered a nearly 10-minute monologue arguing that Republicans had lost “their mojo” and failed to communicate effectively, according to Mediaite.

“The GOP leadership is letting everyone down,” Kudlow said, according to Mediaite. “Whether it’s swag, swagger, rizz, aura, or how about just plain bad messaging? Anyway, the GOP doesn’t have it.”

After introducing Lankford, Kudlow briefly apologized for directing the criticism at him, but quickly continued pressing the Oklahoma Republican.

“Mr. Lankford, I’m sorry you had to bear the brunt of the opening. But I’m telling you right now, you, the leadership in both houses, are bungling everything, Sir! I say that with all due respect, and we are personal friends. But you are bungling everything!” Kudlow said. “Nothing is getting done! Your messaging is nonexistent! You’ve lost your swag, your swagger, your rizz, or whatever young people say. No one knows what the heck you’re doing Sir! They have no idea!”

Mediaite described Lankford’s response as a series of restrained explanations. The senator argued that Republicans were being criticized by conservative media while Democrats were not receiving the same scrutiny.

“… [We] got with all of our media friends out there that continue to be able to beat up on Republicans and say, ‘Republicans are all the problem.’ But apparently, the socialist Democrats in New York City, they seem to be perfect because most conservative media right now is beating up on Republicans and just ignoring the socialists who are running rampant all over the country–“ Lankford said.

“Oh Jim,” Kudlow replied.

“So, I look back on what happened with the One Big Beautiful Bill …” Lankford continued.

“Come on,” Kudlow said.

“– [T]he housing bill we just passed, there’s a lot of things going on that are good–“ Lankford said.

“Don’t go there!” Kudlow responded, before saying that he had criticized Mamdani more than anyone.

“I wasn’t saying that just about you,” Lankford said.

“That isn’t the point,” Kudlow replied.

“Well, this is the challenge that we’re up against right now,” Lankford said.

Kudlow then pressed Lankford to define the party’s policy agenda heading into the midterm elections, reflecting a broader concern among conservative commentators that without a clear legislative scorecard, Republicans risk squandering their congressional majorities.

“What is it that your policy is?” Kudlow said. “Senator Lankford, my friend, what is your policy? Where are the tax cuts? Where are the spending cuts? Where’s the waste, fraud and corruption reduction? Where is all of that? Where is the reconciliation bill? Where’s the straight talk and messaging for the midterm? Where’s the growth messaging? Where’s the ‘We’re gonna make it better for taxpayers and working folks’ messaging? Come on, Senator.”

Mediaite reported that Kudlow has previously voiced similar frustration with Republican lawmakers. After Republicans won back control of the Senate in 2024, Kudlow cut off Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) while expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s planned legislative strategy.

The exchange came as Republicans faced criticism over their record in government, including concerns about living costs, gas and food prices, and Trump’s unilateral war on Iran.