Joe Budden Cuts Off Nicki Minaj After AmFest Appearance: “Don’t Call Me, Don’t Text Me”
Joe Budden has publicly ended his relationship with Nicki Minaj following her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in December 2025. The comments were made on a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, which aired on December 24, where Budden spoke openly about his reaction to the event.
Nicki Minaj appeared on stage at AmFest on December 21 alongside Erika Kirk, the current CEO of Turning Point USA. The two spoke about politics, religion, and culture, including discussions around Donald Trump, JD Vance, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Erika Kirk stepped into the leadership role after the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of the organization.
According to Budden, Minaj’s decision to associate herself with Turning Point USA crossed a personal line for him. He said her appearance changed how he views her and made it clear he no longer wanted any contact. During the podcast, Budden said, “I’m out. I’m done. That was it. Sorry. Don’t call me, don’t text me. It is what it is.” He added that public choices matter and can affect personal respect, saying, “Sometimes how you move does change how I see you.”
Budden also criticized some of Minaj’s remarks made during the event. He said he was confused by comments he viewed as anti-trans and felt they clashed with the values of her fan base. He went further by calling the situation disappointing and said there was no way to excuse it, describing the appearance as a mess overall.
🔥🚨DEVELOPING: Former rapper turned podcaster Joe Budden announced he is canceling all ties with Nicki Minaj after she appeared on stage with Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest to stand up for Christians.
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) December 24, 2025
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Minaj’s time on stage included strong criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom. She read out posts she had previously shared online and mocked his support for trans children. She also used the nickname “Newscum” and encouraged young men to see Trump and Vance as better role models.
At one point, she misspoke and referred to JD Vance as an “assassin,” a moment that drew attention due to Erika Kirk’s personal loss. Kirk brushed it off and responded by saying, “Words are words, but I know her heart and it doesn’t even matter.”
Minaj also addressed backlash over her political views and said she does not pay attention to criticism. She referred to herself and the audience as the “cool kids.” Later in the discussion, she spoke about young girls and said support should not be limited by race. “I want all the little girls in the world to know that you are unique and beautiful,” she said, adding that girls should be encouraged to support each other.
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