Donald Trump responds after immigration criticism at Grammys

February 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

A celebration of music at this year’s Grammy Awards spilled into political controversy after several artists used the stage to criticise US immigration enforcement, prompting an angry response from former president Donald Trump.

The remarks emerged during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, as broadcast live by CBS.

Immigration takes centre stage

The ceremony featured major wins for Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady GaGa and Bad Bunny. But attention shifted from trophies to politics when performers referenced US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the globally televised event.

Footage from the broadcast showed those comments drawing sustained applause inside the arena. Trump later criticised the political tone of the ceremony in posts on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Bad Bunny’s historic win

Bad Bunny became the evening’s most prominent figure after becoming the first Latin artist to win album of the year in the Grammys’ 68-year history. He received the award for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

According to Reuters, the win marked the first time a Spanish-language album had taken the ceremony’s top prize, underscoring the growing influence of Latin music on the global stage.

While accepting the award, the Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, delivered a direct political message, telling the audience: “Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say, ICE out.”

He went on to urge Americans to reject hatred and show compassion toward immigrant communities, remarks that drew a standing ovation from fellow artists in attendance.

Super Bowl backdrop heightens tensions

The speech carried added significance as Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl half-time show later this week. Trump, who has previously criticised the singer’s involvement, said after the Grammys that he would not attend the game.

Reuters also reported that federal authorities planned to increase the presence of ICE agents in the Bay Area ahead of the Super Bowl, though officials did not publicly link the move to the awards ceremony.

Earlier in the broadcast, Bad Bunny and Grammy host Trevor Noah joked about Puerto Rico’s status as part of the United States, a reference to past political disputes involving the artist.

Joke prompts legal threat

Trump’s strongest response followed a joke by Noah referencing Trump’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to The Associated Press, Noah’s comment drew laughter in the arena but triggered a sharp response from Trump, who later threatened legal action in a series of posts on Truth Social.

Trump denied the claim, calling the joke “false and defamatory,” and said he would instruct his lawyers to pursue a lawsuit against the comedian.

Epstein files renew scrutiny

The exchange came shortly after the release of newly unsealed Epstein-related court documents.

The Associated Press reported that Trump’s name appears multiple times in the records, though the documents do not accuse him of criminal wrongdoing.

The renewed attention has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s past social connections, adding political weight to a moment that began as a night intended to honour music rather than provoke controversy.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, CBS Grammy Awards broadcast, Truth Social statements by Donald Trump.