The evolving relationship between Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump has drawn criticism from fellow artist Joe Budden, who publicly questioned the financial motivations behind her recent displays of support for the former president. The exchange highlights a growing tension within the music industry regarding political alignment and the potential for financial incentives to influence public endorsements.
Budden’s comments, made on Wednesday, , during an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast, suggest he believes Minaj is being compensated for her increasingly visible support of Trump. “A lot of money is over there,” Budden stated, according to reports. “She won’t be the first or the last. There will be plenty more celebrities to take that check.” He further elaborated that the financial allure is “tempting for people,” but expressed personal discomfort with the situation, particularly given Minaj’s history and success within the Black community.
This isn’t simply a disagreement over political ideologies for Budden. He articulated a concern about the optics of benefiting from “Black sh*t, and Black people and Black consumerism” and then aligning with a figure who, in his view, represents a departure from those values. “To watch you take the equity and stand over there, I can’t jive with that,” he said. Budden indicated he has “cut ties” with Minaj following her appearance at AmericaFest, as reported by MSN.
Minaj’s public support for Trump has been escalating in recent months. She recently attended Trump’s Trump Accounts Summit in Washington D.C., where she proclaimed him the “greatest POTUS ever.” Adding a peculiar element to the situation, Minaj revealed she received a “Trump Gold Card,” initially touted as a pathway to citizenship for a $1 million fee. However, the White House clarified that the card was merely a “memento,” a detail that hasn’t quelled the broader conversation surrounding her alignment with Trump.
The situation is particularly noteworthy given Minaj’s past criticisms of Trump, as alluded to in a Vanity Fair report detailing her recent connections with Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz. The article details how Minaj and Bruesewitz connected through a mutual friend in 2024 and began discussing political concerns, including violence against Christians in Nigeria. Their relationship culminated in a public appearance at the United Nations in November, and subsequently, at Turning Point USA’s annual convention, where Minaj’s comments were described as “profound” by JD Vance.
Bruesewitz, speaking to Vanity Fair, suggested a natural affinity between Minaj and Trump, stating they are “very similar people.” This perspective, however, contrasts sharply with Budden’s assessment and the concerns voiced by many who see Minaj’s shift as a surprising and potentially calculated move.
The broader implications of Minaj’s support for Trump extend beyond a single celebrity endorsement. It raises questions about the increasing willingness of public figures to align with the former president, and the potential financial incentives that may be driving those decisions. Budden’s comments specifically point to a perceived transactional nature of the relationship, suggesting that financial gain may be a significant factor.
The situation also echoes a larger conversation about the responsibility of artists to their fan base and the communities that have supported them. Budden’s discomfort stems from the perceived betrayal of those values, and the potential for Minaj’s actions to alienate a significant portion of her audience.
While the exact nature of any financial arrangements between Minaj and Trump remains unconfirmed, Budden’s public questioning has ignited a debate about the ethics of political endorsements and the influence of money in the entertainment industry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex intersection between celebrity, politics, and commerce, and the potential for those forces to collide in unexpected ways.
As of today, , the conversation continues to unfold, with social media buzzing with reactions to Budden’s comments and Minaj’s continued support of Trump. XXL Magazine highlighted the story on its Instagram page, further amplifying the discussion.
