Trevor Noah at 68th Grammy Awards
‘Wow, that's a Grammy that every artist wants. Almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,’ the comedian quipped, referring to the ongoing issue of the US wanting Greenland. Recording Academy / GRAMMYs / YouTube

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning of potential legal action against Trevor Noah, the host of the 68th Grammy Awards, after a joke linking him to Jeffrey Epstein sparked controversy. The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the late financier's connections and Trump's own associations.

'Donald's new best friend'

During the awards ceremony, Noah congratulated Billie Eilish on winning Song of the Year for 'Wildflower.'

'Wow, that's a Grammy that every artist wants. Almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,' the comedian quipped, referring to the ongoing issue of the US wanting Greenland.

He then made a controversial remark, saying, 'Which makes sense because, since Epstein's gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.'

The comment referenced Epstein's death in August 2019 and alluded to allegations that several high-profile figures, including Trump, had ties to Epstein's private island, Little Saint James.

Noah's joke was part of his farewell stint as Grammy host after six years.

Known for his sharp wit, the comedian has traditionally avoided overt political commentary, but this remark drew swift backlash. Critics argued that it was an inappropriate joke at a prominent music event, sparking a media frenzy.

'Noah, a total loser'

'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!!!'

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, vehemently denying any connection to Epstein's island. He labelled Noah as a 'total loser' and accused him of making false and defamatory statements.

'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.

'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!,' the President continued.

The President claimed he had 'never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,' asserting he had not been accused of such association by any credible source.

Trump threatened legal action, stating, 'I'm going to have some fun with you,' indicating plans to pursue a lawsuit against Noah.

He also criticised the Grammy Awards, calling them 'the WORST' and 'virtually unwatchable,' signalling his disdain for the ceremony's content. The broadcaster CBS, which airs the Grammys, is set to lose the rights to air the event next year, with Disney reportedly taking over.

Coincides with the newest releases?

Jeffrey Epstein's death in 2019 marked a significant moment in a wide-ranging investigation into his alleged sex trafficking network. The release of over three million documents last week has reignited public interest and controversy.

The files include mentions of numerous influential figures, including Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Trump appears more than 3,000 times in the documents, although officials have dismissed any claims of wrongdoing, asserting that allegations against him are unfounded.

Trump's associations with Epstein have long been a subject of speculation. He was known to have socialised with Epstein in Florida and New York before falling out with him.

Trump's threats to sue Noah reflect his well-documented history of pursuing legal action against critics and media outlets. He previously settled a lawsuit with CBS over a contentious interview, and has also sued outlets like the New York Times and Associated Press. His outspoken stance on the Epstein scandal and the recent document disclosures continue to influence public discourse.

Noah, a South African-born comedian who previously hosted The Daily Show, has not publicly responded to the threat.