Every Trevor Noah joke that triggered Trump’s $16 billion lawsuit threat

JOHANNESBURG / LOS ANGELES — South Africa’s biggest export, Trevor Noah, hosting the Grammy Awards for his sixth and final time, turned the 2026 ceremony into a political powderkeg. Known for sharp cultural commentary, Noah’s opening monologue and mid-show jabs specifically targeted US President Donald Trump, prompting an immediate and fiery response.

President Trump has since signaled potential legal action, calling the remarks “defamatory” and labeling Noah a “talentless dope.” Here is the full breakdown of every joke that led to the confrontation.

1. Nicki Minaj and the White House

Noah opened his monologue by addressing the absence of rapper Nicki Minaj, who recently made headlines for visiting the White House and promoting a “Trump Gold Card” to her fans.

“Nicki Minaj is not here. She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.”

Noah then broke into a signature Trump impersonation to mock the President’s recent rhetoric:

“Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody’s saying it, Nicki. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me. Wop, wop, wop, look at it baby.”

2. The Greenland and Epstein “Island” joke

The moment that reportedly caused the most friction occurred after Billie Eilish won Song of the Year. Noah connected the President’s historical interest in purchasing Greenland to the recently released Epstein files.

“That is a Grammy that every artist wants — almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which makes sense. I mean, because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.”

As the audience gasped, Noah laughed off the tension, referencing his departure from the show:

“Oh, I told you, it’s my last year. What are you going to do about it?”

3. The $16 billion lawsuit prediction

Noah joked about the President’s litigious history with major broadcasters:

“We are airing completely live tonight, because if we edited any of the show, the president would sue CBS for $16 billion.”

This was a direct reference to Trump’s actual settlement with CBS’s parent company, Paramount, in 2025 over a 60 Minutes interview.

4. Term limits and the “1999” comparison

Noah didn’t stop at specific policy jabs, also taking aim at the President’s age and longevity in the public eye. Introducing Lauryn Hill, he drew a parallel between 1999 and 2026:

“The last time Lauryn Hill performed at the Grammys was in 1999… Back in 1999, the president had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world, and Diddy was arrested. Boy, how times have changed.”

Noah’s previous hosting highlights include The Daily Show winning its first Emmy since Jon Stewart, as well as memorable 2019 Oscar moments for South Africa — including Noah presenting eight Best Picture nominees, among them Black Panther.

The President reacts: “Get ready, Noah”

President Trump did not wait for the morning news cycle to respond. Early Monday morning, he took to Truth Social to blast the ceremony as “virtually unwatchable” and “garbage.”

In a series of posts, the President specifically disputed the Epstein joke:

“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… until tonight’s false and defamatory statement.”

He concluded with a direct threat of legal action:

“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!”

The South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) released a statement noting the visibility of the exchange, highlighting Noah as one of South Africa’s most prominent cultural exports.

International impact

Held on Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards celebrated the year’s most acclaimed recordings, with Kendrick Lamar emerging as the night’s most decorated artist. Lamar won five awards, cementing his place in history as the most-awarded rapper of all time, surpassing Jay-Z’s record of 25 Grammy wins.

History was also made when Bad Bunny claimed Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, becoming the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammys’ top honour. Other notable winners included Lady Gaga, Lola Young, and Olivia Dean, while the ceremony closed with a surprise appearance by Cher, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award before presenting Record of the Year.

As the Grammys prepare to move to Disney/ABC in 2027, Trevor Noah’s final bow as host ensured his era ended amid global controversy, historic musical milestones, and the prospect of a landmark legal confrontation. See the full list of winners from the 2026 Grammys.