Mark Levin Podcast – October 25, 2025

"The Authoritarian Narrative: Are We Really Living in an Oppressive State?"

Host: Mark Levin (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Episode Date: October 25, 2025

Episode Overview

Mark Levin tackles the claim from Democrats and progressive activists that America is slipping into an "authoritarian state," dissecting the legitimacy—and irony—of this narrative. He zooms in on heated New York City politics, critiques the rise of Zoran Mamdani as a candidate for mayor, and rails against what he sees as the embrace of Marxist and Islamist ideas within the Democratic Party. The episode also features a wide-ranging conversation on American prosperity, media hypocrisy, constitutionalism, and a detailed historical discussion with Fox News' Bret Baier about Teddy Roosevelt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Is America an Authoritarian State? (65:50–68:32)

• Mark Levin rejects the claim, popular in left-wing circles, that America is "authoritarian" under current or potential Republican leadership.
• Points made:
  • Everyday freedoms still thrive—Americans can travel, attend religious services, and live undisturbed by government authorities.
  • Levin says it’s projection: It’s actually today’s progressives pushing for “DEI,” regulating bedrooms, imposing taxes and regulations.
  • Quotes historical authoritarian actions (e.g., FDR) and dismisses claims that Trump fits this mold.
  • Quote: "How can you support the Constitution as we do and be authoritarians? It’s impossible. They're the ones who seek to avoid it, usurp it." (68:19, Levin)

2. The NYC Mayoral Race & Zoran Mamdani (02:06–16:11, 19:58–24:26)

• Levin and Rich express dismay with Democratic Party elites they see as abdicating responsibility to "Marxist Islamists."
• Zoran Mamdani, painted as a symbol of radical left-wing and Islamist influence, is predicted to bring social and financial ruin to NYC:
  • Increased crime, legalization of prostitution, an exodus of police, job loss, falling real estate values, and a city “bankrupt in spirit and finances.”
  • Quote (Levin): “You are going to see less cops, because cops are not going to want to work for the NYPD under this mayor... Recruiting is going to be a disaster.” (07:25)
• Mamdani’s campaign: Characterized as leaning heavily on appeals to the Muslim and migrant vote, accusations of Islamophobia against critics, and attacking America and Jews.
  • Quote: “Islamophobia—this has nothing to do with Islamophobia. It has to do with the Islamist radical ideology.” (20:50, Rich)
  • Levin and Rich denounce Mamdani's associations and statements as anti-American and anti-Semitic; they promise to remain fierce critics should he be elected.

3. Victimhood and Identity Politics (13:36–24:26)

• Mamdani presents himself as a victim of anti-Muslim bias, which Levin calls “manipulative sloganeering.”
• Levin and Rich argue that the real victims in NYC are Jews, blue-collar workers, and law-abiding citizens.
• Quote (Levin): “How dare you criticize him for his own record, for his own words, for his own positions. How dare you do that? That's Islamophobia. So vote for me.” (23:16)

4. Critique of NY’s Political Establishment & Legal System (37:01–47:58)

• Levin sharply criticizes NY Attorney General Letitia James for prosecuting Trump, calling her case fabricated while ignoring her own alleged mortgage fraud.
• Mocks media pundits and legal analysts, singling out figures like Nick Ackerman as partisan hacks.
• Quote: “If you're watching CNN, you get dumber by the minute. I'll be right back.” (47:58)

5. The State of American Prosperity (29:27–35:50)

• Levin defends America’s economic system, marveling at the abundance and variety in American supermarkets as a symbol of capitalist success.
• Lambasts progressive complaints about "affordability" by comparing US grocery stores to scarcity in Marxist/Islamist societies.
• Quote: “My point is, ladies and gentlemen... We are so blessed by our economic system.” (35:10, Rich)

6. The Israel Discussion & Christian/Jewish History (49:38–58:02, 105:36–107:58)

• Levin responds to criticism of Israeli PM Netanyahu and debates about the legitimacy of Jewish claims to Judea and Samaria (West Bank).
• Argues US politicians apply double standards to Israel and decries what he sees as manipulation of biblical history and annexation language by critics.
• Quote: “If Judea and Samaria don't belong to Jews, then the Bible is wrong... God already said so. They are not annexing anything.” (105:36)

7. Democratic Party and the “Authoritarian” Narrative (76:03–79:52)

• Levin plays clips from Senator Jeff Merkley warning about the erosion of democracy and “authoritarian takeover.”
• Dismisses such alarms as hypocritical, given the left’s own “oligarchic” and “regulatory” tendencies.
• Quote: “These are the people who want to impose on us DEI, who want to impose on us boys and girls' bathrooms, who want to impose on us confiscatory taxes...” (67:44, Levin)

8. Media Misinformation & Polling Data (78:09–82:46)

• Segment with CNN's Harry Enten reveals Americans less worried about the economy than media claims.
• Levin attributes the difference to media propaganda and disconnect with working Americans’ real experiences.
• Quote: “Let me help you out, Harry, may I help you out? Even though you're the chief data analyst, I'm the chief logictician.” (79:52, Rich)

9. Bret Baier Interview: Teddy Roosevelt, American Exceptionalism & the Progressive Tradition (87:20–104:47)

• Levin hosts Fox’s Bret Baier to discuss his new book, To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower.
• Baier details Roosevelt’s complex character: a mix of progressivism with strong foreign policy, personal resilience, and leadership.
• Notable stories include Roosevelt’s transformation from a sickly child to Rough Rider, handling labor strikes, and his diplomatic achievements.
• Quote (Baier): "He is a figure that is really interesting in history, but he is an enigma. You can't kind of pin him down." (88:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 07:25 | Levin | “You are going to see less cops, because cops are not going to want to work for the NYPD under this mayor... Recruiting is going to be a disaster.” | | 18:35 | Mark Levin | “You may get elected mayor, but I'm here for another four and a half years and I'll be on your ass every damn minute.” | | 23:16 | Mark Levin | “How dare you criticize him for his own record, for his own words, for his own positions. How dare you do that? That's Islamophobia. So vote for me. Vote for me. Let's get past this Islamophobia and right into radical Islamism and Marxism. This guy is a fraud.” | | 35:10 | Rich | “We are so blessed by our economic system, by what has been our political system. For some guy to come into New York... To trash our grocery stores, to trash our economic system...” | | 49:38 | Mark Levin | "Judea and Samaria have been the home of the Jews for 4,000 years. Anna. Check your Bible, Anna. Learn some history about Shiloh, about Hebron..." | | 68:19 | Mark Levin | “How can you support the Constitution as we do and be authoritarians? It’s impossible. They're the ones who seek to avoid it, usurp it.” | | 79:52 | Rich | "Let me help you out, Harry, may I help you out? Even though you're the chief data analyst, I'm the chief logictician." | | 88:56 | Bret Baier | "He is a figure that is really interesting in history, but he is an enigma. You can't kind of pin him down..." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Anti-Authoritarian Theme: 01:55–04:00
• NYC Mayoral Race & Mandami Critique: 02:06–16:11, 19:58–24:26
• Mamdani Victimhood & Islamophobia Discourse: 13:36–24:26
• Letitia James & Legal System Critique: 37:01–47:58
• American Prosperity: 29:27–35:50
• Israel/History/Biblical Land Segment: 49:38–58:02, 105:36–107:58
• Is America Authoritarian? Levin’s Rebuttal: 65:50–68:32
• Sen. Merkley/Left-wing Authoritarian Claims: 76:03–77:33
• Media Analysis & Economic Reality: 78:09–82:46
• Bret Baier Segment (Teddy Roosevelt): 87:20–104:47

Tone and Style

Mark Levin’s tone is urgent, combative, impassioned, and often sardonic. He frequently mocks opponents, relies on historical references, and uses direct, sometimes fiery, language when discussing political adversaries or the state of American governance. His discussion with Bret Baier is more conversational and reflective, providing substantial educational insight into American history.

Conclusion

Levin’s episode forcefully denies the progressive narrative that America is devolving into authoritarianism, turning the accusation back on his ideological opponents. The podcast merges current events, political analysis, culture war rhetoric, and American history into a sweeping critique of the left, culminating in a detailed exploration of the legacies that shape contemporary debates.

If you missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the energy, arguments, and major takeaways, giving you the core of Mark Levin's message and the voices that joined him this week.