CNBC's Jim Cramer apologizes after calling Nancy Pelosi 'Crazy Nancy' to her face

CNBC’s Jim Cramer found himself in hot water Tuesday morning following a “tongue-in-cheek” gaffe during a live interview with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Speaking to Pelosi about the ongoing coronavirus relief bill negotiations, Cramer referred to her as “Crazy Nancy.” He was quick to explain that it didn’t reflect his personal feelings for the Speaker, but instead a commentary on President Trump having called her that on multiple occasions.

“I mean, what deal can we have, Crazy Nancy — I’m sorry. That was the president,” Cramer said. “I have such reverence for the office, I would never use that term. But it is hard…” “But you just did,” Pelosi responded. “But you just did.”

As Cramer tried to explain himself, it gave Pelosi a chance to take a shot at the president.

“The reverence that I have for the office is so great,” Cramer said, “that I think it’s a travesty to ever call — look, you’ve spent your whole life in public service.” “Let me just say this,” Pelosi replied. “Anything the president says is a projection of his own insecurities. He calls other people crazy because he knows he is. He complains about this, that and the other thing because he knows his own shortcomings. He’s a master of projection.”

After a shortened clip was posted on Twitter without context, Cramer faced backlash and was forced to defend himself in a series of tweets and tried to explain that what he said was actually a knock on Trump, not Pelosi.

But on Mad Money Tuesday night, Cramer apologized for the remark.

“Earlier today when I talked to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Squawk on the Street, I made a very stupid comment,” Cramer said. “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. As I said immediately after the comment, I want to make it clear that I have an incredible amount of respect for both the speaker and, of course, the office she holds.”

Mad Money With Jim Cramer airs weeknights at 6 p.m. on CNBC.

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