Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Fox News host Megyn Kelly she is "fascinated with sex" during a heated exchange Tuesday night on Kelly's program, earning congratulations from Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Kelly responded to Gingrich's comment with a chuckle and asked, "really?" She went on to say she's "not fascinated by sex," but is "fascinated by the protection of women" and added that she had a responsibility to cover the accusations.

The confrontation between the Republican nominee's surrogate and a television personality who has clashed with Trump comes amid criticism of her coverage of the sexual misconduct accusations against the New York billionaire.

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Gingrich accused Kelly of under covering Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's remarks in paid private speeches. He also accused her of ignoring former President Bill Clinton's sexual history.

Kelly closed the conversation by instructing Gingrich to take his "anger issues and spend some time working on them."

"And you, too," Gingrich responded.

Donald Trump appeared to congratulate Gingrich on his performance in the interview Wednesday, while speaking at a rally at a Trump hotel he was unveiling in Washington, D.C.

"Congratulations, Newt, on last night, that was an amazing interview," Trump said. "We don't play games, Newt, right?"

The exchange had already prompted displays of support for both Kelly and Gingrich across social media, with Kelly's name still trending on Twitter Wednesday morning.

Trump's social media director Dan Scavino Jr. was among those who weighed in. He tweeted that Gingrich had "destroyed" Kelly, who he said "made a total fool out of herself tonight."

.@NewtGingrich just destroyed @MegynKelly. Shows she is totally biased against Mr. Trump & not very smart. Mr. Trump has long known!! — Dan Scavino (@DanScavino) October 26, 2016

Gingrich followed up on Wednesday, writing on Twitter that he didn't have anger management issues.

"I do have media bias issues," he added.