Trump threatens to sue Grammys host Trevor Noah over Epstein joke, calls awards “unwatchable”

US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the 2026 Grammy Awards shortly after the ceremony, calling the event “the worst” and “unwatchable” in a post on Truth Social. His criticism centered on host Trevor Noah, whom he labeled a “total loser” and threatened to sue over a joke that referenced Trump’s past association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Joke in Question

While presenting the Song of the Year award to Billie Eilish, Noah quipped: “Song of the Year—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.” Trump rejected the remark as entirely false, stating he had never visited Epstein’s island “or anywhere near it” and could not speak for former President Bill Clinton. He insisted that not even mainstream media had previously made such an accusation and argued the joke amounted to defamation.

Legal Threats and Past Precedent

Trump vowed to pursue legal action against Noah, declaring he would send his lawyers and seek “major damages.” He also referenced a previous legal victory involving ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, suggesting CBS—the network broadcasting the Grammys—understood how such defamation cases could end. Trump concluded his post by warning he planned to “have some fun” with Noah.

Renewed Attention on Epstein Ties

The outburst reignited online discussion about Trump’s past connections to Epstein, which have faced renewed scrutiny following recent document releases. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or social ties beyond a limited, distant acquaintance.