US President Donald Trump has escalated a public feud with Trevor Noah, threatening legal action over jokes made by the comedian while hosting the 68th Grammy Awards that referenced Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The remarks came shortly after Noah announced Billie Eilish as the winner of Song of the Year for Wildflower.
Injecting political satire into the moment, Noah joked, “Wow. That’s a Grammy that every artist wants — almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” alluding to Trump’s past interest in acquiring the autonomous Arctic territory.
Noah then added, “Which makes sense because, since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.”
The comments stood out as an uncommon political jab from Noah, who has largely steered clear of such material during his six-year run as Grammy host and has confirmed this year will be his final appearance as emcee.
Trump responded forcefully on his Truth Social platform, launching a broad attack on the awards ceremony and its host. He described the Grammys as “the WORST and virtually unwatchable” before addressing the joke directly.
“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 wrote.
The president went on to label Noah a “total loser” who needs to “get his facts straight,” before threatening legal action.
“I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C. … Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!” he added.
