Trevor Noah Roasts Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump at Grammys

At the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, comedian Trevor Noah — hosting the ceremony for the sixth and final time — delivered a politically charged opening monologue that drew laughter from viewers but also sparked controversy.

Among his sharpest jabs was a bit aimed at Nicki Minaj, mocking her absence from the event and her high-profile association with former President Donald Trump. The remark — and the reactions it generated — quickly went viral across social media platforms and news outlets.

Noah’s Grammy Joke on Nicki Minaj

During his opening remarks at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Noah pointedly noted that Nicki Minaj was not in attendance. “Nicki Minaj … is not here,” he quipped to laughter from the live audience. “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.”

The line played on recent headlines about Minaj’s public appearances with Trump and her vocal, outspoken support for him at political events. Noah then went into a comical impersonation of the former president, joking about which of them had the “biggest a-s” — a clearly exaggerated, playful touch that drew strong reactions during the broadcast from viewers and celebrity attendees alike.

The joke earned audible cheers from the crowd in the Crypto.com Arena, including a notably enthusiastic thumbs-up from television personality Chrissy Teigen as cameras rolled through the audience.

Political Undercurrents and Reactions

Noah’s monologue didn’t only take aim at Minaj. Throughout the night, he wove playful critique tempered with political commentary, including jibes at Donald Trump’s public ambitions and news narratives. While many viewers found humor in the line about Minaj’s supposed White House visit with Trump, others viewed it as a pointed commentary on celebrity political alignment.

In the wake of the broadcast, social media buzzed with reactions — both supportive and critical. Some fans applauded Noah for calling out a high-profile musician’s political associations, while others took issue with what they felt was too much political satire at an awards show. Minaj’s presence at political events earlier in the year had already drawn attention, and Noah’s joke amplified that spotlight on the Grammys stage.

It’s also worth noting that Trevor Noah’s choice of jokes reflected broader trends at the 2026 Grammys, where artists and hosts alike did not shy away from addressing political and social issues during speeches and performances.

What It Means for Noah’s Grammy Legacy

The 2026 ceremony marked Noah’s sixth and final time hosting the Grammy Awards, a run that has become notable for its blend of humor, crowd work, and occasional political commentary. In previous years, he balanced lighthearted roastings of attendees with topical jabs — a pattern that continued in this year’s monologue.

Political humor at awards shows is nothing new, but Noah’s commentary on Nicki Minaj encapsulated how entertainment events increasingly intersect with political discourse — especially when a celebrity’s recent statements or actions are already newsworthy. Some commentators praised the monologue for its sharpness; others saw it as divisive.

Regardless of perspective, the line about Minaj’s absence and political ties became one of the most talked-about moments of the night — highlighting how awards show hosts can set the tone and spark conversation long after the broadcast ends.

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