Joe Budden Says “Don’t Call Me, Don’t Text Me” as He Cuts Off Nicki Minaj After AmFest Appearance
Joe Budden has publicly ended his relationship with Nicki Minaj after her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s America Fest 2025. The fallout happened after Minaj joined a live on-stage conversation at the conservative event on December 21, where politics and culture were the main focus.
Minaj appeared alongside Erika Kirk, the current CEO of Turning Point USA. The discussion touched on Donald Trump, JD Vance, Gavin Newsom, religion, and Christianity. Erika Kirk stepped into the leadership role after the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of the organization.
Budden addressed the situation during an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast that aired on December 24, 2025. According to Budden, Minaj’s decision to align herself with the event changed how he sees her. He said it was the final straw for him.
“Nicki Minaj. Turning Point USA. She went out there. By now, you’ve seen it. I got a bunch of phone calls about it. I’m out. I’m done. That was it. Sorry. I’m gone. Last dance. Don’t call me, don’t text me. It is what it is,” Budden said on the podcast.
He went on to explain that public choices matter and affect how people are viewed.
“Sometimes how y’all move does affect how I see you. And this was one of those moments. I’d be stupid to think she didn’t think this through. That tells me she doesn’t really care,” he added.
🔥🚨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
pic.twitter.com/9gbjd1LTIU
Budden also criticized comments Minaj allegedly made during the event, saying they did not match the values of her fan base. He described the situation as disappointing and said the appearance felt “very anti-black,” adding there was “no way to sugarcoat it.”
At AmFest 2025, Minaj took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom. During the panel, Erika Kirk asked her to read recent posts she shared on X. The posts were a response to Newsom’s public support for trans children earlier this month.
“Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids. Normal adults wake up and want healthy, safe, happy kids,” Minaj wrote in one post that she read aloud.
She also mocked Newsom by calling him “Newscum” and told young men to look to Trump and JD Vance as role models. During that moment, Minaj misspoke and referred to Vance as an “assassin,” an awkward comment given that Erika Kirk’s husband was assassinated earlier this year.
“Don’t be Newscum. Look up to role models like our president and the assassin JD Vance,” Minaj said before realizing the mistake.
Erika Kirk brushed it off, responding with a laugh and saying, “Words are words. I know her heart.”
Minaj also addressed backlash over her political views during the panel. She claimed she had not noticed the criticism and referred to herself and the audience as “the cool kids.” Later, she spoke about how young girls are treated in media, saying attention should be given to all girls, not just one group.
“I don’t want harm done to any girls. I want all girls to know they are unique and beautiful,” Minaj said.
The situation has sparked heavy debate online, with fans and critics reacting strongly to both Minaj’s appearance and Budden’s response. This moment highlights how political choices by celebrities can quickly reshape public and personal relationships.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!