Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, has threatened to take legal measures against Trevor Noah, the host of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The controversy erupted after Noah made a joke during the event that referenced Trump's alleged connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier accused of sex trafficking.
In a strongly-worded post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump vehemently denied ever visiting Epstein's private island and criticized the Grammy event as "the worst," calling Noah a "total loser" and a "talentless MC."
The Joke That Sparked Presidential Outrage
During the live broadcast, Trevor Noah, who was concluding his tenure as host after six consecutive years, made a quip about Trump's past interest in purchasing Greenland. What started as a light geopolitical jest quickly turned into something more biting:
"This is a Grammy every artist desires... almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because, with Epstein gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton."
The audience at the Crypto.com Arena responded with laughter, but the remark became incendiary beyond the stage.
Trump's Furious Reaction on Truth Social
In a lengthy and impassioned post, Trump lashed out at the host, the CBS network, and the awards ceremony in general.
"The Grammy Awards are the WORST, nearly unwatchable! CBS is lucky this garbage no longer floods their airwaves."
"Noah falsely claimed that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein's Island. WRONG!!!"
"I can't speak for Bill, but I've never been to Epstein's Island, or even close, and until tonight's false and defamatory statement, I had never been accused of being there, not even by the fake news media."
Trump didn't stop at defending himself; he went on the offensive:
"The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he is, is nearly as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low-Rated Academy Awards."
"Noah, a complete loser, better get his facts straight, and fast."
He concluded with a direct warning: "Looks like I'm sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, stupid MC, and sue him for a lot of money. Get ready, Noah, I'm going to have fun with you!"
Trump also criticized the broadcasting network:
"Ask Little George Slopadopolus and others how that went. And CBS too!"
Satire, Humor, and Leaked Documents
Noah's joke comes amidst a sensitive period, as the release of millions of pages from the Epstein case files has reignited scrutiny of the private lives of business leaders, world figures, scientists, and celebrities who had any association with Epstein.
Although neither Trump nor Clinton faces charges related to the case, their names have appeared in flight logs, parties, and social records linked to Epstein. Trump has offered varying explanations for ending his friendship with him but has publicly insisted he never set foot on Epstein's Caribbean island.
"Until tonight's false and defamatory statement, I had never been accused of being there," Trump reiterated in his message.
Noah Bids Farewell with a Bang
The former host of The Daily Show used his final appearance as Grammy host to make a lasting impression. In addition to the Epstein comment, he impersonated Trump and joked about past scandals:
"In 1999, the president had a sex scandal, people thought computers would destroy the world, and Diddy got arrested."
He also humorously referenced Nicki Minaj and her recent flirtations with the MAGA movement.
A Politically Charged Ceremony
Noah wasn't the only one addressing sensitive topics. The 2026 Grammy edition became, at various moments, a platform for powerful political statements. Billie Eilish, upon receiving the Song of the Year award for Wildflower, declared:
"Despite how grateful I am, I sincerely don't think I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land."
She was previously censored on air for saying, "Fuck ICE."
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny, while accepting the Grammy for Best Urban Music Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTOS, exclaimed: "Before thanking God, I'll say: ICE OUT."
In his speech, he added: "Immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not savages, animals, or aliens. We are Americans... The only thing more powerful than hate is love."
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Reaction to Grammy Jokes
Why did Donald Trump threaten to sue Trevor Noah?
Trump threatened to sue Trevor Noah after the host made a joke at the Grammy Awards suggesting Trump's alleged association with Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump vehemently denied and found defamatory.
What was Trevor Noah's joke about Trump and Epstein?
Trevor Noah joked during the Grammy Awards about Trump's past interest in buying Greenland, implying that Trump needed a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton since Epstein was gone.
How did the audience react to Trevor Noah's joke?
The audience at the Crypto.com Arena responded with laughter to Trevor Noah's joke, but it became controversial outside the event.