Donald Trump doubles down on threats to sue Grammys presenter Trevor Noah over Epstein joke

Taking to the stage of the 2026 Grammy Awards this weekend, Trevor Noah dumbfounded both audience members and viewers at home by dropping a series of damning jokes about Jeffrey Epstein.

Two of these viral remarks hinged on the late sex offender's formerly close relationship with Donald Trump, who immediately responded by threatening to take legal action against the comedian.

For those who missed it, one segment of the star-studded soiree saw South African star Noah announcing that '90s hit-maker Lauryn Hill would soon be performing live.

"Which is insane when you think about it," he went on to jibe. "Because the last time Lauryn Hill performed at the Grammys was in 1999, you understand how long ago that was?

"Back in 1999, the President had had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world, and Diddy was arrested. Boy, how times have changed."

Trevor Noah referenced Trump's former relationship with Epstein during his Grammy's set (Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)

What did Noah say about Trump and Epstein?

As well as making a joke about Trump and Nicki Minaj, who has recently come out in support of the president, the 41-year-old made a jibe about the 79-year-old and Jeffrey Epstein.

When discussing the prestigious Song of the Year later during the show, he brought up the staggered release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice - the most recent of which occurred just two days before the Grammys (Friday 30 Jan).

"That is a GRAMMY that every artist wants," Noah began. "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."

It is important to note that inclusion in the files doesn't suggest any wrongdoing, nor is anyone featured in the documents being accused of any crimes.

In terms of Trump, he has continuously denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's crimes, and while it is known that the pair had previously socialised together, the president said they'd 'fallen out' before the disgraced financier's arrest in the early 2000s.

Trump and Epstein had been acquaintances before Epstein's arrest in the 2000s (Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)

How did the President initially respond?

It didn't take long, however, for the President to respond to the jaw-dropping jokes. Taking to Truth Social, Trump, 79, slammed the festivities as '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," he continued. "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, 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."

He added of the presenter: "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! President DJT."

The politician threatened to take legal action against Noah (Truth Social)

What has Trump said since?

And as we say, the right-wing leader has since doubled down on his stance against Noah, shutting down any speculation that his threat had been empty.

Hosting a White House press conference yesterday (2 February), Trump insisted he was totally serious about taking legal action after one attending reporter asked him: "Are you going to sue Trevor Noah?"

"Yeah, well he said I spent time on Jeffrey Epstein’s island," the father-of-five replied. "I didn’t."

Trump continued: "He’s a lightweight, this guy, he’s a terrible - I think he’s terrible. I thought he did a terrible job at the Grammys. I thought the whole Grammys was terrible. I watched part of it. It’s not watchable. But he was a lousy host, I’d say not as bad as Jimmy Kimmel but pretty close."

The politician went on to explain: "He made a statement about me and Jeffrey Epstein. I have nothing to do with that. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.

"In fact, if you look at the DOJ [Department of Justice] - they released 3 million pages - all of this they're supposed to be doing, and frankly, I think the DOJ should say we've got other things to do other than Bill Clinton and Bill Gates and lots of other people.

"There are a lot of questions about it, but nothing on me."

Tyla contacted Noah's representatives for comment.