San Francisco, California – Folk music legend Joan Baez used her recent appearance on “Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney” to deliver a strong message about the current state of U.S. politics.
During the show’s season premiere, Baez took a moment to address the audience before sharing a story about Martin Luther King Jr., whom she described as having a sense of humor. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the dire situation of American governance, pointing out the influence of what she referred to as “incompetent billionaires” on the country’s leadership.
Although she did not explicitly name anyone, Baez appeared to be alluding to President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk has faced criticism for cutting federally funded programs through his Department of Government Efficiency, sparking concerns about the impact on the nation’s welfare.
Later in the program, Baez recounted her brief experience owning a Tesla, which was recommended to her by her assistant. Despite the suggestion, she admitted disliking the vehicle and ended up crashing it into a tree on her property within a short period. This incident left her questioning the decision and served as a personal reflection on the pressures to conform to societal expectations.
The iconic folk singer was recently portrayed by Monica Barbaro in the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” directed by James Mangold. Both Barbaro and co-star Timothée Chalamet, who played Dylan, received nominations for their performances at the 2025 Academy Awards, showcasing the enduring influence of Baez and her peers in the music industry.
Baez’s candid remarks on “Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney” underscored her commitment to addressing pressing social and political issues, using her platform to advocate for change and reflection. Through her storytelling and personal anecdotes, she continues to inspire audiences to engage critically with the world around them.