Joan Baez Takes Aim at "Incompetent Billionaires" on John Mulaney’s New Netflix Show

Folk legend and unwavering civil rights advocate Joan Baez didn’t mince words during her appearance on John Mulaney’s debut Netflix talk show, "Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney." The 84-year-old singer-songwriter used her platform to critique the influence of wealthy individuals on American democracy, accusing "incompetent billionaires" of effectively taking over the U.S. government.

"You said I could say anything I want out here," Baez quipped to Mulaney during the Wednesday night premiere. "We’re all here to be silly and have fun, and as long as we recognize the fact that our democracy is going up in flames… we’re being run by a bunch of really incompetent billionaires."

While Baez refrained from explicitly naming names during her initial statement, the context of her comments points towards a growing concern over the increasing involvement of tech magnates and other ultra-wealthy individuals in political affairs. The article implicitly alludes to Elon Musk’s heightened influence within the Trump administration. Musk, despite never having been elected to public office, has been designated a "special employee" by Trump and is reportedly spearheading efforts to streamline the federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency, a move humorously referred to as DOGE.

The presence of numerous tech billionaires, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, at Trump’s inauguration further highlights the growing intersection between Silicon Valley and the highest echelons of political power. Moreover, Trump himself boasts a substantial personal fortune, estimated at $4.6 billion by Forbes, underscoring the significant financial resources wielded by those at the top of the political landscape.

Baez’s outspoken stance on political and social issues is nothing new. Throughout her illustrious career, she has seamlessly blended her musical talent with her unwavering commitment to activism. From her passionate opposition to the Vietnam and Iraq Wars to her ardent support for LGBTQ+ rights, Baez has consistently lent her voice and platform to causes promoting peace, equality, and justice. Her anthems became synonymous with the 1960s civil rights movement, solidifying her place as a cultural icon and a force for social change.

Her significant role in the early career of Bob Dylan, another influential folk musician, was recently brought to life in the Oscar-nominated biopic "A Complete Unknown." Actress Monica Barbaro, who portrayed Baez in the film, spoke about Baez’s insights into Dylan’s evolving relationship with political activism. "At first, he was that protest voice also, and then he didn’t want to do that anymore," Barbaro explained. "She was also in love with his potential."

Baez’s apparent disdain for Elon Musk resurfaced later in the show during a humorous anecdote about her brief and disastrous experience with a Tesla. She recounted how she had crashed a brand new Tesla into an oak tree shortly after purchasing it. This story further reinforces the underlying critique of Musk and his ventures.

"I hated that thing," Baez said of the Tesla, which she only purchased at the urging of her assistant. "But I thought I was supposed to like it. So I drove off in it. Within 45 minutes I had smashed it into an oak tree on my property… I was thinking, ‘That’s a sign.’"

Tesla, one of Musk’s many business ventures, has been facing a decline in sales recently, which is partly attributed to Musk’s close ties to Trump. In an effort to bolster Tesla’s image, the president organized a car show at the White House and publicly purchased one of the models.

John Mulaney’s new Netflix show represents a fresh endeavor for the widely acclaimed comedian. The show features Mulaney hosting live interviews with fellow comedians and actors every Wednesday. For the inaugural episode, Baez was joined by fellow guests Michael Keaton and Fred Armisen.

The inclusion of Baez as a guest on Mulaney’s show underscores the show’s intention to engage with topical issues and feature diverse perspectives. Her comments about the influence of billionaires in government resonated with a segment of the population increasingly concerned about wealth inequality and its impact on democratic processes.

Baez’s enduring commitment to social justice, combined with her willingness to speak truth to power, continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Her appearance on "Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney" served as a reminder that even in an environment of lighthearted entertainment, important conversations about the state of society can and should take place. By using her platform to address the growing influence of billionaires in politics, Baez sparked a conversation that is likely to continue long after the credits rolled on Mulaney’s premiere episode. Her ability to blend humor with serious commentary demonstrates the power of celebrity to raise awareness about critical issues and encourage thoughtful dialogue.

The episode highlighted the evolving landscape of late-night television, where entertainment and social commentary are increasingly intertwined. Mulaney’s decision to feature guests like Baez suggests a desire to create a show that is not only funny but also intellectually stimulating and socially relevant. As "Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney" continues its run, it will be interesting to see how the show navigates the intersection of comedy and commentary, and whether it will continue to provide a platform for voices like Baez’s to be heard.