Mark Levin Podcast — 12/2/25
Episode Title: Unpacking America's Drug War: The Fight Against Narco-Terrorism
Host: Mark Levin
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
Date: December 2, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Mark Levin dives deep into the intersection of America’s ongoing drug war, national security, and the challenges of narco-terrorism, especially as it pertains to Venezuela and broader U.S. policy. Levin argues that the influx of drugs from hostile foreign actors is both a criminal and military threat, warranting robust actions by the U.S. beyond what some legal analysts and politicians allege is permissible. The conversation expands to critique the influence of the Internet on public discourse, debate the state of American immigration, and confront the risks of radicalization and assimilation in the context of border policy. Throughout, Levin maintains his signature direct, often combative style, calls out political hypocrisy, and champions what he defines as enduring American and conservative values.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. U.S. Military Action Against Narco-Terrorism (Venezuela Focus)
[01:03–14:00]
- Historical Precedent: Levin recalls the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama to oust Manuel Noriega, defending it as necessary military action against a narco-state. He draws parallels with recent strikes on Venezuela-backed drug operations.
- Constitutionality & Legality:
- Levin challenges critics claiming recent actions lack legal/constitutional basis or constitute a "war crime."
- He emphasizes notification and briefings to Congress, refuting the notion that the administration bypassed oversight.
- Military vs. Criminal Response:
- Argues narco-terrorism straddles crime and war: “They're not mutually exclusive. In this case, you can still bring somebody to justice in a courtroom...But the idea that you can't take action against another government in our hemisphere that is purposely killing our citizens...is absurd. Absolutely absurd.” (Mark Levin, [07:30])
- Memorable Quote:
- “Just stop sending drugs to the United States and there won’t be a problem. But they won’t stop.” (Mark Levin, [10:29])
Notable Segments:
- [09:59]—Clip: White House asserts legal targeting of narco-terrorists.
- [12:22]—Debunking media stories alleging “kill orders” from U.S. officials.
2. Criticisms of Media and Political Opposition
[13:25–15:00]
- Connecting Media & Politics: Levin claims no daylight exists between mainstream media narrative and Democrat Party messaging.
- ‘War Crimes’ Accusations: He attacks political figures (e.g., Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Angus King) for supposedly undermining military morale and distorting facts about U.S. operations.
- Memorable Quotes:
- “It’s amazing to me how they would have our war fighters fight wars with their hands tied behind their backs.” (Mark Levin, [13:38])
- “It’s amazing they will bend over backwards to give ‘due process’ to mass murderers...but when it comes to Pete Hegseth, that’s murder, man. These are war crimes...” (Mark Levin, [14:18])
3. The Internet, the Rise of Toxicity, and Political Manipulation
[29:00–37:49]
- Internet Dangers:
- Levin laments how Internet anonymity and echo chambers breed character assassination, bigotry, and anti-Americanism.
- He credits Elon Musk for exposing some of the foreign manipulation.
- Generational Divide:
- Critiques young generations for being “manipulated” both online and via educational institutions—asserting their hostility towards tradition arises from misinformation.
- Suggests conservatives must fight back in the online realm but draws the line at engaging with “Nazis and neo-Nazis.”
- Memorable Quote:
- “It’s not so much free speech...the effort is to intimidate people, to silence people. Sort of a mob think, mob rule.” (Mark Levin, [32:10])
- Attack on Internet Grifters:
- Names pollsters and Internet personalities he sees as unprincipled, sowing division under false “America First” rhetoric.
4. Immigration: Principles, Dangers, and the “America First” Approach
[38:09–58:50]
- Historical & Philosophical Foundation:
- Levin references his earlier book Liberty and Tyranny to reiterate his stance that citizenship is a privilege, not a right—and immigrants must assimilate, shed prior allegiances, and benefit society.
- Critiques chain migration and “birthright citizenship,” citing both Founding-era principles and 1960s policy shifts.
- Critique of Modern Policies:
- Attacks both Democratic and establishment Republican approaches for promoting massive, unconditional migration, eroding the rights and character of American citizens.
- Assimilation Failure:
- Draws connection between failed assimilation and growing criminal/terrorist activity in immigrant communities.
- Memorable Quote:
- “No society can withstand the unconditional mass migration of aliens from every corner of the earth.” (Mark Levin, quoting from Liberty and Tyranny, [52:19])
5. Radicalization, Qatar/Saudi Influence, and National Security
[59:02–75:51]
- Foreign Funding & Radicalization:
- Details Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s investments in U.S. institutions and their roles in funding jihadist groups (e.g., Hamas).
- Calls for full transparency and a legal ban on all foreign money in American education and political institutions.
- Vetting and Immigration Reform:
- Argues for a moratorium on migration from radicalized regions until the U.S. “takes inventory” of who is present and who is being influenced.
- Major Accusation:
- “Qatar is the enemy. I’m sorry, Qatar is the enemy. They fund soft efforts to overthrow the west and terrorist efforts to overthrow the west and they use the institutions of the west, the liberty that’s provided by the west, the free speech that’s provided by the West. They use capitalism to advance an agenda with their money.” (Mark Levin, [59:26])
- Cultural Impact:
- Highlights the rise in anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment, particularly among youth and academic institutions.
6. Housing Affordability and the Younger Generation
[76:11–91:39]
- Tough Love for Young Adults:
- Responds to concerns about the cost of living and economic challenges facing young Americans by urging fortitude, resilience, and gratitude compared to past generations who endured war and depression.
- “For the vast majority of young people...they've never had it better anywhere in the world than they have their lives today, including in our country.” (Mark Levin, [76:30])
- Policy Proposals:
- Advocates for zoning reform, reduced impact fees, tax credits for new/refurbished housing, and promotion of trades—but notes most of these are local, not federal, issues.
- Warning Against Victimhood:
- Rejects Internet and media narratives that encourage young men to see themselves as victims, which he says plays into the hands of radical ideologies.
7. Assimilation, Border Policy, and Party Politics
[91:48–105:04]
- The West’s “Suicide”:
- Cites immigration statistics and failed assimilation as evidence the West is undermining itself.
- “You want to know why the west is collapsing. You can't possibly assimilate mass migration into a country, particularly when the institutions are controlled by the left.” (Mark Levin, [92:10])
- Trump’s Immigration Agenda:
- Praises President Trump’s policy of pausing migration from “third world” countries until the system can confirm assimilation is possible.
8. Listener Call: Immigrant Perspective
[107:38–110:08]
- Caller “Victor” from Dallas, TX:
- A DACA recipient expresses support for strong borders, the end of mass migration, and President Trump’s approach.
- Calls out Spanish-language media for failing to represent pro-border, pro-conservative Hispanic Americans.
- Mark Levin’s Response:
- Contrasts today’s new arrivals with past immigrants, lauds “conservative DACA members,” and doubles down on the theme of principled, merit-based citizenship.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“They're not mutually exclusive. In this case, you can still bring somebody to justice in a courtroom...But the idea that you can't take action against another government in our hemisphere that is purposely killing our citizens...is absurd.”
—Mark Levin, [07:30] -
“Just stop sending drugs to the United States and there won’t be a problem. But they won’t stop.”
—Mark Levin, [10:29] -
“It’s not so much free speech...the effort is to intimidate people, to silence people. Sort of a mob think, mob rule.”
—Mark Levin, [32:10] -
“No society can withstand the unconditional mass migration of aliens from every corner of the earth.”
—Mark Levin (quoting Liberty and Tyranny), [52:19] -
“Qatar is the enemy. I’m sorry, Qatar is the enemy. They fund soft efforts to overthrow the west and terrorist efforts to overthrow the west and they use the institutions of the west.”
—Mark Levin, [59:26] -
“For the vast majority of young people...they've never had it better anywhere in the world than they have their lives today, including in our country.”
—Mark Levin, [76:30]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Venezuela/Narco-Terrorism Comparison: [01:03–08:45]
- Media Criticism & Military Morality Debate: [13:25–15:00]
- Carolyn Levitt on War Crime Accusations: [09:59, 12:22]
- Internet, Information, and Generational Divide: [29:00–37:49]
- Immigration Policy History and Principles: [38:09–58:50]
- Qatar, Radicalization, and National Security: [59:02–75:51]
- Housing Affordability and Young Adults: [76:11–91:39]
- Migration & Assimilation Data: [91:48–94:45]
- Listener Call—Conservative DACA Perspective: [107:38–110:08]
Tone & Language
Levin’s tone is characteristic: forthright, impassioned, combative, polemical, and often sarcastically dismissive toward critics and opposing viewpoints. He is unapologetic in championing military action, strict immigration standards, and the defense of what he sees as American and conservative philosophical traditions. Language is direct, unfiltered, includes occasional personal asides and humor.
For listeners seeking a thorough, Mark Levin-style breakdown of U.S. drug war policy, the risks of narco-terrorism, the legal and moral debates surrounding military engagement, as well as a multi-layered critique of immigration and assimilation policies—this episode delivers trademark intensity, detailed historical references, and Levin's unique take on the intersection of politics, culture, and security.
