CNBC News host Jim Cramer raised eyebrows earlier this week when he referred to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as "Crazy Nancy" to her face during an interview.
Cramer claimed that he was simply quoting President Donald Trump, who's frequently referred to Pelosi with that nickname, and assured Pelosi that he would never refer to her with that name.
"You just did," Pelosi rebuked.
Watch below.
Jim Cramer calls Pelosi “Crazy Nancy” TO HER FACE on live televisionwww.youtube.com
In response to widespread outcry and calls for his resignation, Cramer apologized for what he said later in the broadcast was a "tongue in cheek" observation that "fell flat."
Jim Cramer apologizes to Speaker Nancy Pelosi: "I made a very stupid comment." pic.twitter.com/dXiWC1fx1r
— The Recount (@therecount) September 15, 2020
Cramer said:
"Earlier today, when I talked to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on 'Squawk on the Street,' I made a very stupid comment. It was a tongue-in-cheek attempt to make a point about the harsh tone of the negotiations in Washington. But it fell completely flat, and I apologize for that."
While many felt that Cramer's apology was insufficient, at least one person—President Donald Trump—felt it shouldn't have been offered in the first place.
Trump dismissed the apology as unnecessary in a Twitter rebuke to Cramer.
Jim, you didn't make a mistake. It's true, and that's why you said it. No pandering! https://t.co/64fFoZvMZc
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2020
People weren't surprised at Trump's defense of incivility and insults.
imagine being this proud of being this childish
— Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) September 16, 2020
I said this was going to happen yesterday. You are so predictable.
— David ex Trump voter for Biden Weissman (@davidmweissman) September 16, 2020
Of course this manchild would say this. He needs to Grow TF up. https://t.co/S7BU2JD3bc
— ❄ §uzy Q 🌊 (@SueZieCue) September 16, 2020
Actually Jim was wrong! He apologized for it! YOU of course are a egomaniac and narcissist. YOU always want apologies from others, but YOU NEVER offer one. So quite frankly - kiss my ass. We know YOU will never learn. So again - Kiss my ass. https://t.co/VADP3IAkLT
— Michael Orr (@Michael_E_Orr) September 16, 2020
Every last employee in this country is held to a higher standard of performance and professionalism than the President of the United States. https://t.co/XAXnulByBB
— Dan McClellan (@maklelan) September 16, 2020
Others hoped Cramer would demonstrate the sincerity of his apology by calling out Trump's response.
.@jimcramer-Here is when you show your true colors. Are you going to respond clearly and directly? This is your chance. Don't blow it.
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) September 16, 2020
So weird that @jimcramer hasn't corrected Trump and told him he disapproves of name calling. 🤔 https://t.co/ztL9xUDrW3
— Janet Johnson (@JJohnsonLaw) September 16, 2020
The ball is back in Jim Cramer's court, what will he do? @jimcramer https://t.co/TDumX4Rher
— steve seaton (@steve_seaton) September 16, 2020
Hey, we appreciate the late apology. Thank you. BTW, the guy the KKK votes for liked the original comment. https://t.co/VB5aHYIb9V
— JP Gilmore (@realjpgil) September 16, 2020
Cramer has reflected further on the incident on his Twitter account, but has yet to respond to Trump's comments.