Mike Epps Apologizes to Nicki Minaj After Sexual Trump Joke

Comedian Mike Epps said he went too far with a crude joke about Nicki Minaj and President Trump during a recent comedy show.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Comedian Mike Epps publicly apologized to Nicki Minaj after making a crude joke about her and President Donald Trump during a comedy show in Louisville, Kentucky. Epps joked that Minaj was "having a train ran on her by Donald Trump and them," referencing Minaj's recent praise of the former president. Epps later said he felt compelled to apologize, acknowledging that he sometimes "goes wild" and becomes "non-filtered" on stage after having a drink.

Why it matters

Minaj has faced backlash for her vocal support of President Trump, with some fans criticizing her for aligning with the former president. Epps' joke played into those criticisms, but his apology highlights the need for comedians to be mindful of crossing lines, even in the name of comedy.

The details

During his comedy show on February 6 in Louisville, Kentucky, Epps made a crude joke about Minaj's support for President Trump, saying she was "having a train ran on her by Donald Trump and them." Minaj has described herself as the "president's No. 1 fan" and has praised Trump, even obtaining a "Trump Gold Card." In a video posted to his Instagram Stories on February 10, Epps apologized to Minaj, her husband, and her children for the joke, acknowledging that he sometimes "goes wild" and becomes "non-filtered" on stage after having a drink.

  • Epps made the joke about Minaj during his comedy show on February 6, 2026.
  • Epps posted his apology video on his Instagram Stories on February 10, 2026.

The players

Mike Epps

A 55-year-old comedian who made a crude joke about Nicki Minaj and President Trump during a comedy show.

Nicki Minaj

A 43-year-old rapper who has publicly expressed her support for President Trump, describing herself as the "president's No. 1 fan."

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States, whom Minaj has praised and obtained a "Trump Gold Card" from.

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What they’re saying

“Y'all know I'm Mr. Accountability. You know, I say stuff and do stuff, and then I go to bed, wake up the next morning, [having] prayed on and thought about it.”

— Mike Epps, Comedian (Instagram)

“I just want to apologize to you, Nicki Minaj, for saying the stuff that I said. I want to apologize to your husband, your kids, all that for saying what I said.”

— Mike Epps, Comedian (Instagram)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for comedians to be mindful of their jokes, especially when they involve public figures and sensitive political topics. While comedy can push boundaries, crossing the line into crude or offensive territory can backfire and damage a comedian's reputation, even if they later apologize.