US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against Trevor Noah over a joke referencing the “Epstein Files” made during the comedian’s opening monologue at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

 

 

Trump responded hours after the ceremony, criticising both the awards show and its host. “The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable! The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he may be, is almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low Ratings Academy Awards”. 

 

 

The president accused Noah of making an incorrect claim. “Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island,” Trump added.

 

 

He denied any connection to the island linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “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”. Trump also warned of legal action. “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$. Ask Little George Slopadopolus, and others, how that all worked out. Also ask CBS! Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!”

 

 

The remarks come a day after Noah opened the Grammys with repeated political references aimed at Trump. The most direct came following Billie Eilish’s Song of the Year win, when Noah linked the award to Trump in a joke referencing Greenland. “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.”

 

 

Political references continued throughout the ceremony, with Noah joking about his decision to step down as host. “This is my sixth and final time hosting,” he said. “I believe in term limits. Leave when your time is up.”