Mark Levin Podcast – November 20, 2025

Episode: The Political Battlefield: Veterans vs. Presidential Orders

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mark Levin dives into the latest political controversies challenging the American constitutional order and conservative values. Levin focuses on a viral video by Democratic military veterans urging the military and intelligence communities to "refuse illegal orders" from the President, critiques the Democratic Party's tactics, covers the renewed controversy over Jeffrey Epstein files, and explores the ongoing infighting within the Democratic House caucus. Later in the episode, Levin is joined by CNN commentator and author Scott Jennings to discuss Jennings' book, A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization. The episode also analyzes domestic and foreign policy, media narratives, political scandals, and American leadership at a historical inflection point.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Veterans’ Video Urging Military to Refuse “Illegal Orders”

• Levin Critiques the Message: A recent video by Democrat veterans addresses military and intelligence professionals, suggesting they should refuse unlawful orders from the President.

  • Levin’s Analysis (02:06-04:11):
    • “I’ve never seen anything like this, to be perfectly honest with you folks… people who served in the military putting out statements like this because they’re Democrats.”
    • Levin plays and dissects the video, highlighting the lack of specifics on what "illegal orders" they're referencing.
    • He sees the video as part of the broader pattern of Democrats casting the President as a lawbreaker or would-be dictator, viewing this as an unprecedented politicization of military loyalty.
    • Quote:

      “The inference here is that the President of the United States is violating the law, that he’s a dictator, that he’s putting out orders of this sort. It’s just crazy.” (04:11 – Mark Levin)

• Discussion of Martha MacCallum Interview:

  • Levin commends Fox News’ Martha MacCallum for challenging Democrat Congressman Jason Crow on TV about what “illegal orders” the group means, noting the lack of concrete answers.

2. Democrats' Internal Infighting & Election Rigging Allegations

• House Democratic Drama:
  • Levin outlines a scheme where Rep. Garcia of Illinois potentially orchestrated his retirement to secure his chief of staff the seat unopposed, with quick filings to block other primary contenders.
  • Rep. Perez of Washington exposes the scheme and faces threats of retaliation from progressive colleagues.
  • Levin’s Reaction (13:36-16:29):
    • “Isn’t that sleazy? ... It’s like Stacey Plaskett, the Democrat, Virgin Islands ... was texting Epstein during the hearings and using questions that he was relaying to her.”
    • Levin is appalled by the alleged rigging and by Democrats congratulating Garcia.
    • The episode suggests a culture of corruption and coverup within Democratic ranks, especially when colleagues break the party line.

3. The Epstein Files and Political Scandal-Mongering

• Epstein Files Release & Political Weaponization:
  • Levin slams Dems for exploiting the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, alleging they’re seeking to tie Trump to it despite a lack of evidence and while ignoring prominent Democrat connections.
  • Levin plays clips of Chuck Schumer and Robert Garcia warning about “funny business” in the files’ release.
  • Levin’s Perspective:
    • “It’s never going to be enough because it was never intended to be enough… They will exploit this as much as they possibly can.”
    • Levin underlines that Trump’s DOJ moved to release Epstein files, while the Biden administration did not.
    • Mentions Hakeem Jeffries’ evasive answers regarding Stacy Plaskett’s relationship with Epstein.
    • Quote:

      “This latest hoax will backfire on the Democrats just as all the rest have.” (109:07 – Mark Levin reading Trump’s statement)

4. Media Critique & Foreign Policy Coverage

• Media Bias on Israel and Ukraine:
  • Levin notes the difference in coverage between Israeli strikes and ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, criticizing unbalanced reporting.
  • Cites a Gatestone Institute article on why most Arab nations refuse to admit Palestinian refugees—linking this to failed attempts at Middle East peace and regional stability.
  • Examines the International Criminal Court’s susceptibility to politicized cases due to influence from groups linked to Hezbollah.

5. Michelle Obama's "Confining" First Ladyship & Claims on Female Presidents

• Levin Responds to Michelle Obama’s Comments:

  • Discusses Michelle Obama’s statements about the “confines” of being First Lady and her view that America isn’t ready for a female president.
  • Levin and Stephen A. Smith (as cited by Levin) dispute this myth, citing the popular votes for Hillary Clinton, and the current landscape of female leaders.
  • Quote:

    “You’re the first black First Lady lighting a torch, showing the way. Okay, if that's your view, what's wrong? What's the problem? I'm quite serious.” (62:20 – Mark Levin)

• Levin’s Critique:

  • Sees such sentiments as ungrateful and unnecessarily divisive, urging Michelle Obama and similar critics to focus on inspiring Americans rather than lamenting personal discomfort or playing identity politics.

6. Domestic Policy, Foreign Policy, and Trump’s Record

• Levin Debunks Notion That Trump Neglects Domestic Policy:
  • “He’s spending a tremendous amount of time on domestic issues… For him, unlike a usual president, he sees foreign policy intertwined with domestic policy.” (44:18).
  • Outlines Trump-era actions on taxes, deregulation, energy, anti-DEI, and more.
  • Repeats need for “common sense” and the benefits of conservative leadership.

7. Interview with Scott Jennings – Author, CNN Commentator

• Jennings’ Book: A Revolution of Common Sense

  • Jennings shares insights from interviewing Trump, Cabinet members, and figures like Elon Musk.
  • Elon Musk on America’s Fiscal Future (89:16):
    • “He had strong feelings about our fiscal situation, the devaluation of our currency, the mass migration crisis… He thinks all these things are converging to lead to the downfall of America.”
  • Both Jennings and Levin decry radical voices claiming to be conservative and stress the need for principled unity.
  • On Trump as Peace President:
    • “You talk to him long enough about it and you realize this man hates war. He hates the concept of people dying needlessly.” (Scott Jennings, 103:26)

• Discussion of Tariffs and Executive Power:

  • Explores the pending Supreme Court case on presidential authority over tariffs.
  • Both agree Congress, not the judiciary, should assert itself if it objects to tariff usage.

8. Call for Congressional Term Limits

• Levin & DeSantis Lobby for Term Limits:
  • Highlights an interview segment with Governor Ron DeSantis (51:18) supporting congressional term limits via a Convention of States.
  • Points to the structural advantages of incumbency and the resistance in Congress to self-limitation.
  • DeSantis Quote:

    “Doing congressional term limits forces turnover and I think it will draw a great class of people to want to serve.” (51:41)

9. Additional Notables & Memorable Quotes

• On the Need for Positive Inspiration:

  • “Tell people how they can make it. Tell people how you made it, even if you have to overcome barriers, talk about the greatness of the country.” (63:18 – Mark Levin)

• On Political Weaponization:

  • “All of which have been so terrible and divisive for our country and have been done to confuse, deflect, and distract from the great job that Republicans and the Trump administration are doing.” (109:50 – Mark Levin reading Trump’s statement)

• On Gettysburg Address Anniversary:

  • Levin recites and reflects on the historic speech to remind listeners of America's core ideals and the sacrifices made for freedom (111:13).

Key Timestamps by Segment

• 02:06-04:11: Levin analyses Democrats’ video urging military refusal of “illegal orders”
• 13:36-16:29: House Dem infighting, alleged election-rigging, and internal retaliation
• 07:39-11:55, 27:37-31:12: Epstein files controversy, Dems’ talking points, Hakeem Jeffries’ evasive answers
• 20:06-22:29: Media bias against Israel versus Ukraine; Arab countries and Palestinian refugees
• 38:13-43:00: Michelle Obama's comments on women presidents; national conversation on identity and achievement
• 51:18-53:31: Gov. Ron DeSantis advocates for congressional term limits
• 87:47-105:16: Scott Jennings interview: book highlights, views on Trump, tariffs, and the future of conservatism
• 111:13-112:19: Commemoration of Gettysburg Address Anniversary

Notable Quotes (by Timestamp)

• “That is shocking, is it not? It's absolutely stunning.”
  — Mark Levin, on the veterans’ video (04:11)

• “I mean, the inference here is that the President... is violating the law, that he’s a dictator...”
  — Mark Levin (04:11)

• “He is something else. He is funny and he is to the point and he exposes these nut jobs.”
  — On Donald Trump (36:40)

• “I think he's getting a bum rap here, quite frankly. I think he's spending a tremendous amount of time on domestic issues…”
  — Mark Levin (44:09)

• “It's crucially important that when accusations are made, the fact that accusations are made... that's not enough, especially from the press, especially when they're anonymous.”
  — Mark Levin (10:33)

• “Doing congressional term limits forces turnover and I think it will draw a great class of people to want to serve.”
  — Gov. Ron DeSantis (51:41)

• “He hates war. He hates the concept of people dying needlessly.”
  — Scott Jennings on Trump’s peace instincts (103:26)

• “This latest hoax will backfire on the Democrats just as all the rest have.”
  — Mark Levin (reading Trump statement, 109:07)

Episode Tone & Final Thoughts

Levin’s style is polemical, passionate, and relentless in defending conservative institutions, the Trump administration’s record, and core American principles. The episode uses both criticism and satire to puncture what he sees as hypocrisy or destructiveness on the part of Democrats and the institutional left, while also highlighting the importance of constitutionalism, honest debate, and courageous leadership.

For further details and insightful discussions, listen to the full episode or reference the indicated timestamps for specific topics and quotes.