Joni Mitchell, once known for her folk anthems that resonated with a generation, used her Hollywood Bowl concert to take a divisive political jab, yelling “F**k Trump” to a cheering crowd. At 80 years old, Mitchell has seen her share of political shifts, but this latest outburst raises questions about her relevance in today’s divided landscape.
During her set, which Billboard lauded as an "intimate" look into the singer’s life, Mitchell took a sharp turn into partisan rhetoric, echoing Hollywood’s predictable disdain for former President Donald Trump. What should have been a celebration of her musical return after a severe health struggle quickly became a moment of political grandstanding.
Mitchell’s anti-Trump sentiment was nothing new, as she’s joined the ranks of celebrities targeting conservative figures. But for many Americans, her outburst is just another example of a Hollywood star out of touch with the everyday struggles of regular voters. Protected by fame and wealth, these stars are far removed from the consequences of the very policies they criticize.
In 2022, Mitchell jumped into the political fray by joining the Spotify protest against Joe Rogan, siding with the establishment’s narrative on COVID-19. Her claim of standing “in solidarity” with the scientific community on vaccine misinformation feels eerily similar to her latest outcry against Trump—detached from the realities facing middle America.
As Mitchell calls for political action from her stage, it's worth asking whether she still resonates with the same spirit of authenticity she once embodied—or if she's simply echoing the Hollywood elite’s well-worn script.
