“I think the interference, although not yet quantified, if fully investigated would show that Trump didn’t actually win the election in 2016,” Carter said. “He lost the election. And he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf.”

Carter was asked in a follow-up question if this means he believes Trump to be an illegitimate president, the clear implication of his statement. After hearing that out loud, Carter seemed to immediately regret what came out of his mouth.

“Based on what I just said, which I can’t retract,” Carter responded.