Key Points
- Trevor Noah returned as host of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026.
- In his opening monologue, Noah joked about Nicki Minaj’s absence from the ceremony.
- He referenced Minaj’s recent public support for President Donald Trump, calling her “at the White House.”
- Minaj later responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a pointed post aimed at Noah.
- The exchange comes days after Minaj publicly declared herself Trump’s “number one fan.”
Noah’s Grammy Monologue
Trevor Noah kicked off the 2026 Grammys at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena with his trademark sharp humor. While naming artists in attendance, he paused to note that Nicki Minaj was not present.
“Nicki Minaj is not here. She’s not here,” Noah quipped, before adding, “She is still at The White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues.”
The comedian then impersonated Trump, joking: “Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest a–. Everybody’s saying it. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me. Whop whop whop. Look at it, baby.”
Minaj’s Response
Minaj quickly fired back on X, posting: “Trevor refuses to come out the closet when everyone in the industry knows his boyfriend. Allegedly.” The post included a photo of her wearing a pink cap reading “Nicki was right about everything” alongside a collage of Jay-Z images from the 1990s.
Minaj’s Support for Trump
Noah’s joke followed Minaj’s recent appearance at the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, D.C., on January 28. During the press event, Trump introduced her as “the greatest and most successful female rapper in history.”
Minaj then told reporters: “I am probably the President’s number one fan. And that’s not going to change. The ‘hate’ or whatever people have to say does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.”
Context: Grammys and Politics Collide
The Grammys often blend entertainment with cultural commentary, and Noah’s monologue highlighted how celebrity endorsements can spill into award show humor. Minaj’s absence, paired with her recent political statements, made her a natural target for Noah’s sharp wit.
What Happens Next?
With Minaj doubling down on her support for Trump and Noah continuing to use topical humor, the exchange underscores the intersection of pop culture and politics. Whether the two will continue trading jabs remains to be seen, but the moment has already sparked widespread discussion online.
