WATCH: New York Times Claims This is the Interview That Got Don Lemon Fired

CNN leaders were “exasperated” after a contentious on-air exchange with GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, according to a report in The New York Times. The heated moment reportedly played a role in CNN’s decision to part ways with the anchor.

Watch the contentious moment below:

The New York Times reports:

In recent weeks, CNN leaders were hopeful that Mr. Lemon would adjust to his new morning-show role and that higher ratings would follow.

On Wednesday, however, Mr. Lemon made headlines again after a highly contentious on-air exchange with Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate. The segment deteriorated as the men fiercely debated questions of Black history and the Second Amendment; Mr. Lemon’s co-anchor Ms. Harlow could be seen sitting silently beside him, at times casting her gaze elsewhere and scrolling through her smartphone.

The incident left several CNN leaders exasperated, the people said.

Don Lemon was fired from CNN on Monday after 17 years with the news network.