Legendary American folk singer and activist Joan Baez has created a stir online after releasing a new poem that takes aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump. In the piece, Baez uses the image of a “little green worm” to describe what she sees as the loss of empathy and reason in Trump’s behavior.
The Meaning Behind the Poem
Baez’s new work, titled “Little Green Worm: A Note to the President,” plays with a surreal idea — that a worm has eaten parts of Trump’s brain responsible for compassion and self-control. The poem was inspired by a recent viral news story about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claimed a parasite once damaged his own brain.
Using this theme, Baez paints a darkly humorous picture of political leadership without empathy. At one point, she imagines the worm has also eaten Trump’s intelligence, writing, “Oh no — there’s nothing there.”
The White House Reacts
When reporters asked for a response, the White House issued a short and dismissive comment: “Who is Joan Baez?” The remark has fueled further discussion online, with many pointing out Baez’s long and respected history as a musician and activist.
Baez’s Legacy and Message
At 84 years old, Joan Baez remains an outspoken voice in American culture. Famous for her role in the 1960s folk movement and for songs like “Diamonds & Rust,” she has often used art to comment on politics and social justice.
Her latest poem follows her 2024 poetry collection “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance.” This new piece continues her tradition of speaking truth to power, blending humor, anger, and creativity to make a political point.
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Public Reaction
The poem has quickly gone viral on social media. Supporters have praised Baez for her boldness and originality, saying the metaphor captures how she feels about modern politics. Critics, however, say the language is too harsh and disrespectful, arguing that artists should avoid personal attacks.
Despite the mixed opinions, Baez’s poem has successfully started a new public conversation about leadership, empathy, and morality in politics.
Why This Matters
This story shows how artists like Baez continue to use poetry and music to comment on the world around them. Her work connects younger generations with older traditions of protest art — proving that creativity and political awareness can still go hand in hand.