US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah after Noah referenced Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the 68th Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The joke occurred at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles during the live CBS broadcast, which marked Noah's sixth and final time hosting the ceremony.
Trump responded early Monday, February 2, via Truth Social, calling the comment "false and defamatory" and stating he would direct lawyers to pursue legal action.
The Joke in Question
Noah made the remark after Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her track "Wildflower."
"That is a Grammy that every artist wants – almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton," Noah said.
He followed up: "Oh, I told you it's my last year. What are you going to do about it?" as the audience laughed.
The quip alluded to Trump's past statements about acquiring Greenland and Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands, known as Little St. James, where Epstein hosted prominent figures before his 2019 death.
Trump's Response on Truth Social
Trump's full post read:
“The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable! CBS is lucky not to have this garbage litter their airwaves any longer. The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he may be, is almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low Ratings Academy Awards.
Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. WRONG!!! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media.
Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty$. Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!”
Trump has repeatedly denied visiting Epstein's island. Both he and former President Bill Clinton have denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, who faced federal sex-trafficking charges at the time of his suicide.
Background on Trump, Epstein, and Recent Developments
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges involving a minor and died in 2019 while awaiting trial. Court documents released in recent years, including a large batch last week by the Justice Department, reference Trump, Clinton, and others in connection with Epstein's activities, though no charges have been filed against either president.
Trump banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in the 2000s and has said he rejected an invitation to Epstein's island. Clinton has stated he never visited it.
The joke fits a pattern of celebrity hosts using awards shows to comment on Trump. Noah also joked about rapper Nicki Minaj's absence, saying she was "still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues" – a reference to her past support for Trump.
Other Moments at the 2026 Grammys
The ceremony featured political undertones amid Trump's immigration policies. Winners and performers wore "ICE out" pins protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Bad Bunny, who won Album of the Year, dedicated his speech to immigrants, saying "ICE out" and calling for humanity.
Kendrick Lamar led with five awards. Noah's hosting drew mixed reactions, including a separate quip about prediction market Polymarket when he said "potato" and congratulated a bettor.
Why It Matters and What Happens Next
The exchange highlights tensions between Trump and Hollywood, where awards shows often feature criticism of his administration. Trump has sued media figures before, though defamation cases involving public figures face high legal bars under US law.
No lawsuit has been filed as of February 2. Representatives for Noah, the Recording Academy, and CBS have not commented. Trump has not elaborated further.
The incident could amplify scrutiny of Epstein-related files, which continue to generate public interest. Noah's final hosting stint ends a six-year run that began in 2021.
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