During Sunday night’s Grammy Awards, host Trevor Noah delivered a series of pointed jokes aimed at Nicki Minaj and former President Donald Trump, sparking reactions from both. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While addressing the crowd, Noah joked, “Nicki Minaj is not here. She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues,” drawing laughter from the audience. He followed up with an exaggerated impersonation of Trump, continuing the comedic bit.
“Actually, Nicki I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody is saying it, Nicki. I know they say it to you, but it’s me. Look at it, baby – WAP, WAP, WAP,” Noah said while impersonating the president.
The jokes referenced Minaj’s recent public support of the Trump administration. In November 2025, she drew attention after commenting on attacks against Nigerian Christians and was later invited to speak at the United Nations on the issue. She also appeared onstage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest alongside the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where she voiced admiration for Trump. Days before the Grammys, she referred to Trump as her “number one fan” during an appearance at Trump’s Account Summit in Washington, D.C.
Minaj responded on X (formerly Twitter), where she accused Noah of being secretly gay, posting a message that included an image of a 26- & 27-year-old Jay-Z posing with a 15-year-old Aaliyah and a 16-year-old Beyonce and herself with a replica MAGA-style hat reading, “Nicki was right about everything.” She continued posting throughout the night, also criticizing Jay-Z, Lizzo, Chrissy Teigen, and Democratic political figures.
Noah did not limit his jokes to Minaj. After Billie Eilish won Song of the Year, he quipped, “That’s a Grammy every artist wants — almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” before adding another punchline referencing Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Clinton.
“Wow, that is a Grammy that every artist wants,” Noah said in response to English’s award. “Almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which make sense. I mean, because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.”
When the audience reacted to Noah’s edgy humor remark, Noah reminded them, “I told you it’s my last year. What are you going to do about it?”
Trump later responded on Truth Social, accusing Noah of spreading misinformation and suggesting potential legal action.
”The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable!
CBS is lucky not to have this garbage litter their airwaves any longer. The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he may be, is almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low Ratings Academy Awards. 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 being there, not even by the Fake News Media. 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”
Noah also teased Kendrick Lamar while congratulating him on a win, joking about Lamar’s lyrical takedowns of rivals. “I actually thought about writing a few jokes roasting you, but then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries,” he said, referencing Kendrick Lamar’s high-profile feud with Canadian rapper Drake and his pointed diss tracks “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria.”
L–R: Trevor Noah jokes with Kendrick Lamar (second person from the upper right) and Trevor Noah poses for a photo with Bad Bunny; Photo Credit: Getty Images
He shared a lighthearted exchange with Bad Bunny about possibly relocating to Puerto Rico if conditions worsen in the United States. Bad Bunny reminded him, “Trevor, I have some news for you. Puerto Rico is part of America.”
Noah’s final time hosting the Grammys included sharp political and celebrity-focused humor that targeted Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump, triggering social media backlash and public responses from both. His monologue blended entertainment, politics, and controversy, making the night as much about viral moments as about the music awards themselves.
