AceShowbiz - Bette Midler describes her career as a mission to spread joy that can counterbalance "the grimness of everyday life." However, recent political developments during the second Trump administration have deeply disturbed her. Issues like escalating war profiteering, anti-trans rhetoric, and extrajudicial ICE raids—including incidents resulting in the deaths of Minnesota residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good—have taken a heavy toll on Midler.

Speaking from her Los Angeles home, Midler shared with Rolling Stone that the current political climate has caused her significant distress. She recounted a conversation with fellow activist Jane Fonda, who emphasized the need for a new anthem to inspire resistance. This inspired Midler to revisit an old protest song by Woody Guthrie from 1940 called "All You Fascists." Originally written during World War II to condemn the poll tax, Jim Crow laws, and racial hatred, the song now serves as the foundation for a 2026 version co-written by Midler and Eric Kornfeld.

The revamped track directly addresses the Trump administration's policies and urges voter participation in the midterm elections. The accompanying music video, released today, is co-directed by Toni Basil and Seanne Farmer. It features Midler alongside her Beaches co-star Barbara Hershey and other prominent figures such as actor David Hyde Pierce, singer and actress Jenifer Lewis, and Broadway star Shoshana Bean.

In the song, Midler sings, "We'll battle ICE together/Until they cut and run/Just like in Minneapolis/And when the midterms come, You're bound to lose/You fascists, bound to lose." Another verse includes pointed lyrics criticizing government attempts to distract the public from the Jeffrey Epstein files, referencing police brutality and the protection of pedophiles: "You gas and beat and murder us, protecting pedophiles/Let's turn the screws/You pervs are bound to lose."

This protest anthem revival highlights Midler's commitment to activism through music, blending historical protest themes with contemporary political issues to inspire action and awareness ahead of crucial elections.