CNBC�s Jim Cramer apologized Tuesday for calling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi �crazy Nancy� during an interview, saying he was trying to make a point about Washington intolerance that fell flat.

The fast-talking former hedge fund trader, one of CNBC�s leading personalities for two decades, was interviewing Pelosi on negotiations on a relief bill for those hurt financially by the pandemic.

�What deal can we have, crazy Nancy?� he said during the interview.

He immediately indicated that he was channeling President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly used that derisive nickname for Pelosi. �I have such reverence for the office I would never use that term,� he said.

�But you just did,� Pelosi said.

�Oh, come on,� Cramer said. �You know what I mean.�

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When he received criticism on Twitter, Cramer defended himself and suggested his intentions were obvious.

�I challenge anyone to listen to the interview and think I wasn�t imitating what the president says and how repulsive I find it,� he tweeted.

On his show �Mad Money� later, however, Cramer said that he had made a very stupid comment.

�It was a tongue-in-cheek attempt to make a point about the harsh tone of negotiations in Washington,� he said. �But it fell completely flat and I apologize for that.�

Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of the group UltraViolet said Cramer�s �patronizing and condescending bile� has serious consequences for the country and women who choose to run for political office.

�It�s time that CNBC takes steps to remove toxic misogyny from its airwaves, and that starts by firing Jim Cramer,� Thomas said.

There was no immediate comment from CNBC.

(AP)