US President Donald Trump has threatened to take legal action against the host of the 68th Grammy Awards, following a joke made during the ceremony that appeared to link him to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The comment was made by comedian Trevor Noah while presenting the Song of the Year award, which was won by Billie Eilish for Wildflower.
During his presentation, Noah congratulated the singer before making a joke referencing Trump’s previous remarks about acquiring Greenland.
He said the president wanted the Arctic territory “almost as much as he wants Greenland,” a line that drew laughter from the audience.
Noah then followed up with another quip suggesting Trump needed “a new island” to socialise on following Epstein’s death, prompting more reaction inside the venue.
The comedian, who said this would be his final year hosting the Grammys after six appearances, has largely avoided heavy political commentary in previous editions of the awards ceremony.
Trump reacts on Truth Social
Trump responded angrily on his Truth Social platform, describing the Grammys as “virtually unwatchable” and condemning Noah’s remarks as false and defamatory.
“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, I have never been accused of being there,” Trump wrote.
He also claimed that even media organisations he often criticises had not made such allegations against him.
In the same post, Trump called Noah a “total loser,” insisted the comedian should “get his facts straight,” and said he would instruct his lawyers to begin legal action.
Background on Trump and Epstein
Diaspora Digital Media reported that Trump has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein socially, saying they moved in similar circles in Florida and New York, but has maintained that he later cut ties with him.
In recent months, he has also opposed the release of court documents linked to Epstein, the disgraced financier whose criminal case and connections to influential figures have remained a major source of public scrutiny.
Documents mention prominent names
The controversy comes amid renewed attention on Epstein-related court records.
Last week, millions of pages of documents were reportedly released, containing references to several high-profile individuals, including Trump, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Britain’s Prince Andrew.
For now, neither the Recording Academy nor Grammy organisers have issued an official statement on Trump’s threat of legal action.
