Brief
Joni Mitchell announces protest‑painting book "NEWS" ahead of November release
The new collection, described as a visual protest song against Donald Trump, will debut in Los Angeles and benefit multiple charities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Canadian‑born singer‑songwriter Joni Mitchell, now 82, announced a new book of 23 paintings titled NEWS, describing it as her "protest song" against former President Donald Trump. The project, detailed in a Rolling Stone interview published Thursday, will be released on November 4.
What happened
Mitchell, who obtained dual U.S.‑Canadian citizenship two days earlier, said the book combines song lyrics, imagery and slogans created in response to the 24‑hour news cycle. The first ten copies will be hand‑signed, numbered and sold at auction, with all proceeds earmarked for the ACLU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children and the ASPCA. The paintings will be exhibited at the Louver gallery in Venice, California, later this month.
What the reports add
According to the Independent, Mitchell’s career as a painter spans decades; she previously released a 2019 watercolor collection, Morning Glory on the Vine. In the Rolling Stone piece, she compared her visual protest to historic works such as Picasso’s Guernica and Charlie Chaplin’s film The Great Dictator. She also recalled creating political paintings after the September 11 attacks.
What was said
Mitchell wrote on the back cover of NEWS: “When [George] Bush was president and the Twin Towers in New York were attacked, I did a series of political paintings. In the current climate, I felt a need to express my concern. It is an artist’s duty to speak up.” She added, “NEWS is my protest song — a song not for the ears, but for the eyes. I hope that you will not be offended by the truth of it. This is not fake news!”
How it came about
Mitchell’s recent U.S. naturalisation was covered by Felo News on Oct. 14, 2026. The new book follows her long‑standing engagement with political themes, from a 2024 concert urging voter turnout to a subtle dig at Trump during a Juno Awards appearance earlier this year.
Key facts
- Joni Mitchell announced a 23‑painting book titled NEWS, to be released on Nov. 4. (independent.co.uk)
- Proceeds from the first ten signed copies will benefit the ACLU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children and the ASPCA. (independent.co.uk)
- The paintings will be displayed at the Louver gallery in Venice, California, later in October. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Joni Mitchell, 82, takes aim at Trump with new project: ‘This is not fake news!’”
