Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is issuing a warning about what he sees as intensifying hostility from Democratic leaders toward former President Trump, asserting that such rhetoric risks deepening political divides. In a recent Fox News appearance, Gingrich labeled remarks by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as inflammatory and accused some Democrats of promoting tactics that erode public confidence in government.
Gingrich drew parallels between today’s discord and the “test” of democracy Abraham Lincoln referred to in the Gettysburg Address, suggesting that the current moment is a constitutional stress test. He argued that enforcing law and order is vital to preserving democratic norms, and cautioned that unchecked political aggression and hostility toward public figures—such as harassing Supreme Court justices or administration officials—could have dangerous consequences. He also defended figures like Elon Musk, claiming criticism directed at those collaborating with the Trump administration reflects a broader resistance to institutional reform.
Gingrich likewise criticized behavior he observed from House Democrats during a joint session of Congress, saying they appeared disengaged—even during moments designed to evoke unity or empathy. “They couldn’t applaud anything,” he said, interpreting it as a symptom of lackluster leadership and ideological rigidity. Citing polling from his own research group, he added that 82 % of Americans believe the political system is corrupt—a perception he warned could spiral into a serious threat to democratic legitimacy.
While Gingrich acknowledged his own partisan perspective, he urged both sides to dial back hostile rhetoric. He called for consistent enforcement of laws and urged restraint, cautioning that protests targeting officials or their families cross a boundary. “We’re at a point where the rule of law has to mean something again,” he stated. As the 2026 midterms approach, he forecast that public discontent will play a decisive role, and he urged leadership that emphasizes tangible outcomes over provocative language.
