Los Angeles: US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue comedian and television host Trevor Noah over remarks made during the 2026 Grammy Awards, in which Noah joked about Trump spending time on Jeffrey Epstein’s island. Trump also sharply criticised the awards ceremony, calling it “virtually unwatchable”.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump lashed out at both the Grammys and its host. He claimed that Noah had made a “false and defamatory statement” by suggesting that Trump, along with former President Bill Clinton, had visited Epstein’s island. Trump categorically denied the allegation, stating that he had “never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close”, and added that he had never previously been accused of doing so.
Describing the Grammy Awards as the “worst”, Trump accused CBS of previously airing what he termed “garbage” programming. He compared Noah unfavourably with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and dismissed him as a low-rated host. Trump warned that Noah “better get his facts straight” and said he was considering sending his lawyers to sue the comedian for substantial damages.
Trump further escalated his attack by calling Noah a “loser” and “talentless”, while suggesting that previous legal actions against media figures had worked in his favour. He ended his post by directly addressing Noah, saying he was “going to have some fun” with him.
The controversy stems from Noah’s repeated jabs at Trump during the Grammy Awards ceremony. Before announcing the winner for Song of the Year, Noah quipped that the award was something every artist wanted “almost as much as Trump wants Greenland”. He then added that since Epstein’s island was gone, Trump “needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton”, prompting audible gasps from the audience. Noah followed up the remark by reminding viewers that it was his final year as Grammy host and jokingly asking what anyone could do about it.
Noah also targeted rapper Nicki Minaj during the show, joking about her friendship with Trump and claiming she was absent because she was “still at the White House” discussing important issues with the President. He later mocked Trump with a vocal impression, further fuelling backlash from Trump supporters.
The remarks have since sparked debate over political humour at major entertainment events, with Trump’s threat of legal action adding to the ongoing tensions between the President and high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.
