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Rapper Nicki Minaj quickly responded on social media to a pointed joke made by host Trevor Noah during the opening monologue of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Noah, hosting the ceremony for the sixth and final time, addressed Minaj's absence from the event amid her recent public alignment with President Donald Trump. As he scanned the star-studded audience and noted who was present, Noah quipped, “Nicki Minaj is not here,” prompting loud cheers and applause from the crowd. He continued, “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.”
Noah then launched into an impression of Trump, saying, “Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass, I have it. Everybody’s saying it, Nicki. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me. Womp womp womp, look at it baby.” The line, referencing Minaj's well-known emphasis on her physique and recent reports of her praising Trump, drew significant laughter and further cheers.
The joke referenced Minaj's January 28, 2026, visit to the White House, where she attended a U.S. Treasury event, received a symbolic Trump Gold Card, held hands with the president, and publicly declared herself one of his strongest supporters. Once known for steering clear of overt political stances, Minaj's shift toward vocal MAGA support has sparked division among fans, critics, and peers.
Minaj, a 12-time Grammy nominee who has never won despite nominations including two in 2024 for a track from the Barbie soundtrack, did not attend the ceremony. She reacted swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), posting a series of messages that included a homophobic slur directed at Noah.
In one post, she wrote: “Trevor refuses to come out the closet when everyone in the industry knows his boyfriend. Allegedly.” She followed up with additional comments, including a response to a fan query about Noah's alleged preferences by posting an image of the Chucky doll and writing, “Isn’t it obvious.”
Minaj also shared broader criticisms, labeling the Grammys a “ritual” and invoking religious language. In a notable post, she stated: “As they do their ritual tonight, God almighty will reveal himself to them. The ritual will backfire on them. God will not be mocked. Blessed is the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. Every tongue that rises up against me in judgement shall be condemned & put to shame. Watch.”
Other posts from Minaj included cryptic allegations about unnamed artists practicing “rituals in a satanic cult” involving child sacrifice and blood offerings—claims echoing unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. She additionally targeted figures like Chrissy Teigen and Lizzo in related messages, escalating the online backlash.
The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding celebrity political endorsements in a polarized cultural climate. Minaj's Trump support has drawn scrutiny, particularly given her history of Grammy snubs and her large, devoted fanbase known as the Barbz. Noah's monologue, while touching on politics lightly compared to past years, reflected the industry's mixed reactions to high-profile alignments with the current administration.
Noah's joke also prompted a response from President Trump on Truth Social after the show, though details focused on broader disapproval of the event's tone. The moment underscored how political commentary continues to intersect with major awards shows, even as hosts like Noah aim for balanced humor.
Minaj's career remains strong commercially, with billions of streams and a loyal following, despite the ongoing Grammy drought and public controversies. The incident has fueled widespread discussion across social media, with reactions ranging from support for Minaj's clapback to criticism of her language and conspiracy-laden posts.
As the 2026 Grammys wrapped with Kendrick Lamar leading the wins, the off-stage drama involving Minaj and Noah became one of the night's most talked-about side stories.
