The 68th Annual Grammy Awards may have celebrated music’s biggest achievements, but the ceremony also triggered a political storm hours after it ended. U.S. President Donald J. When the awards show and its host Trevor Noah joked about the U.S. president, Donald J. Trump, during the live event on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, he seriously criticised both the awards show and its host.
Trump went on his social media site Truth Social to channel his anger soon after the event ended at the Crypto.com Arena. In a series of posts, he called the Grammy Awards “virtually unwatchable” and launched a personal attack on Noah, describing him as a “total loser” while accusing him of spreading false and defamatory statements on national television.
Trevor Noah’s Joke That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy started when Billie Eilish won the Grammy Award in the category of Song of the Year in her song Wildflower. As Trevor Noah announced the win, he congratulated the singer and proceeded with a joke that mentioned President Trump. Noah remarked that winning Song of the Year was almost as desirable as Trump wanting Greenland, adding another line that referenced Epstein Island and mentioned Bill Clinton in the same breath.
The joke quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the night, drawing laughter from parts of the audience while also triggering immediate backlash online. For Trump, the comment crossed a line.
Trump Calls Grammys Unwatchable, Threatens Legal Action
Reacting strongly on Truth Social, Trump criticised both the show and its broadcaster. The Grammy Awards were the worst according to what he wrote and he stated that CBS had been lucky not to have to carry what he called garbage on its airwaves. He also had negative comparisons between Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel, citing low ratings at the Academy Awards.
Trump specifically objected to Noah’s remark about Epstein Island, stating that it was incorrect to suggest he had ever spent time there. He published that he had never visited Epstein Island or anything near it, and that, until Noah mentioned it, he had never faced any accusation of having done so, not even by what he termed the fake news media.
The president went on to escalate his response, calling Noah talentless and warning that legal action could follow. He claimed his lawyers would be involved and suggested that Noah should ask others who have faced lawsuits how such situations turned out. Trump concluded his message by stating that he is willing to have a bit of fun with the host.
What Is Epstein Island?
For context, Epstein Island refers to Little Saint James, a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands once owned by Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in 2019. The island has since proved a symbolic reference point in debates across the board concerning high profile individuals and perceived wrong-doing and is a particularly sensitive point to be brought up publicly.
The clash between Trump and Trevor Noah has added an unexpected political edge to what is traditionally a night dedicated to music and pop culture. Although the Grammys 2026 will be remembered due to significant victories and performances, this confronted talk has made sure that the event will also be discussed way outside the entertainment industry.
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