Donald Trump has threatened to take legal action against the host of the 68th edition of the Grammy Awards, Trevor Noah, after he made a joke at the gala referencing Trump's alleged relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased magnate accused of sex trafficking.
In a furious message posted on his network Truth Social, Trump not only categorically denied having been on Epstein's private island, but also described the ceremony as “the worst,” calling Noah a “total loser” and “untalented MC.”
The joke that unleashed presidential fury
During the televised broadcast, Trevor Noah—who bid farewell this year as host after six consecutive editions—joked about Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland. What started as a light geopolitical reference turned into something more biting:
"It’s a Grammy that every artist wants… almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because, since Epstein is no longer around, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton."
The phrase was met with laughter in the audience at the Crypto.com Arena, but the comment became explosive off-camera.
The allusion, made in a satirical tone, comes just days after more than three million court documents related to the Epstein case were made public, featuring multiple personalities, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
None have been formally accused, but the mentions are enough to stir controversy.
Trump's response: fury on Truth Social
In a long and angry post, the president lashed out at the host, CBS, and the ceremony in general.
"The Grammy Awards are the WORST, practically impossible to watch! CBS is lucky that this garbage doesn't flood their airwaves anymore."
"Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein's Island. INCORRECT!!!"
"I can't speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere near it, and until tonight's false and defamatory statement, I had never been accused of being there, not even by the fake media."
The reaction was not limited to self-defense. Trump went on the offensive:
"The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he is, is almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low Audience Academy Awards."
“Noah, a complete loser, better clarify his actions, and do it quickly.”
And he closed with a direct warning: “It seems that I'm going to send my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, and foolish MC, and I'm going to sue him for a fortune. Get ready, Noah, I’m going to have fun with you!”
He also pointed a finger at the broadcasting network:
"Ask Little George Slopadopolus and others how all that turned out. And also CBS!"
Humor, satire, and leaked documents
Noah's comment comes at a particularly delicate moment. The release of thousands of pages from the Epstein archive has rekindled interest in the private lives of businessmen, world leaders, scientists, and celebrities who were connected to the magnate at some point.
Although neither Trump nor Clinton face charges related to the case, their names have appeared in flights, parties, and social records linked to Epstein. Trump has varied in his explanations about why he ended his friendship with him but has publicly insisted that he never set foot on his private island in the Caribbean.
"Until the false and defamatory statement made tonight, I had never been accused of being there," he emphasized in his message.
Noah says goodbye with fireworks
The former host of The Daily Show took advantage of his final appearance as host to leave an irreverent mark. In addition to his comments about Epstein, he impersonated Trump and joked about past scandals:
"In 1999, the president was involved in a sex scandal, people thought computers were going to destroy the world, and Diddy was arrested."
He also referred to Nicki Minaj with irony and her recent flirtations with the MAGA movement.
A gala filled with political stances
Noah was not the only one to allude to sensitive issues. The 2026 Grammy Awards became, at several moments, a platform for messages with strong political undertones. Billie Eilish, upon receiving the award for Song of the Year for "Wildflower," said:
"Despite how grateful I feel, I honestly don't think I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land."
Previously, she was censored on air for saying, "Fuck ICE."
For his part, Bad Bunny, upon taking the stage to receive the Grammy for Best Urban Music Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTOS, exclaimed: “Before thanking God, I'm going to 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."
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