Trevor Noah pokes fun at Nicki Minaj’s Grammy absence with Trump joke

Trevor Noah joked about Nicki Minaj’s absence from the Grammys, linking it to her public support for Donald Trump

Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah mixed comedy with politics during the ceremony, taking a swipe at Nicki Minaj for her absence while drawing a pointed connection to former US president Donald Trump.

While opening the show, Noah joked that Minaj was “still at the White House discussing very important issues,” a remark that drew laughter and applause from the audience. The comment appeared to reference Minaj’s recent public alignment with Trump, which has become a source of controversy among fans and critics alike.

Minaj has recently attended a US Treasury event where she was awarded a Trump Gold Card, further fueling speculation about her political leanings. Once known for avoiding overt political affiliations, the rapper has increasingly voiced support for Trump, a shift that has sharply divided her fanbase.

trevor noah gagged tf out of nicki minaj, imagine all your peers cheering at your absence #GRAMMYs

pic.twitter.com/Q3Mv8UAgRM

— ANTON ✩ (@devorejr_) February 2, 2026

Despite holding 12 Grammy nominations over her career, Minaj has yet to win the award. Her most recent nominations came in 2024 for two categories tied to a song featured in the Barbie soundtrack.

Following Noah’s remarks, Minaj addressed the situation on social media, criticizing Democrats and pushing back against celebrity backlash over her political views. She openly praised Trump, calling herself one of his strongest supporters.

Noah continued to weave political humor throughout the night, including jokes aimed at Trump’s long-standing presence in American politics. Referencing his own extended run as Grammy host, Noah quipped that he “believed in term limits,” drawing another round of applause.

The moment underscored how closely entertainment and politics remain intertwined, with the Grammys once again serving as a stage for both cultural and political commentary.