Folk music icon Joan Baez has never been afraid to speak truth to power — and she’s doing it again. Appearing on the debut episode of comedian John Mulaney’s new Netflix talk show, Baez didn’t hold back when asked about the current state of American politics. “Our democracy is going up in flames,” she said, her tone equal parts sorrowful and defiant.

The 83-year-old singer, known for her lifelong activism and protest anthems of the 1960s, went further. “We’re being run by a bunch of really incompetent billionaires,” she added, shaking her head. The remark quickly began circulating online, praised by many who see Baez as a moral compass for turbulent times.

For Baez, this wasn’t just a political statement — it was a warning born from decades of civic engagement. She has marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., performed at countless protests, and dedicated her art to social justice. Even now, she continues to use her voice to challenge power and defend democracy in what she sees as an increasingly divided America.

In a lighter but equally striking moment, Baez shared an unexpected personal story involving Elon Musk. “I once owned one of his Teslas,” she confessed with a laugh. “I thought I was supposed to like it — so I drove off in it, and within 45 minutes, I had smashed it into an oak tree on my property.”

The audience burst into laughter as Baez explained that the accident became a moment of clarity. “I was thinking, ‘That’s a sign,’” she recalled. To her, it symbolized how modern luxury and innovation often distract from what really matters — human connection, compassion, and conscience.

Social media lit up after the interview, with fans applauding Baez’s humor and courage in equal measure. Many praised her for staying outspoken in an era when celebrity activism often fades with age. Her mix of honesty, irony, and conviction reminded viewers why she remains one of America’s most respected voices.

As she left the stage, Baez smiled and waved to the audience, her eyes bright with mischief and wisdom. For a woman who has spent her life singing for justice, the message was clear — the fire still burns. And this time, her song is for a democracy she refuses to watch disappear in silence.