Mark Levin Podcast: "Trump’s Approval Ratings: The Media’s Narrative vs. Reality"

Guest Host: Ben Ferguson
Date: December 23, 2025
Podcast Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode challenges mainstream media and Democratic Party narratives about President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, arguing that the data tells a very different story—one of surprising strength across several demographics. Guest host Ben Ferguson scrutinizes recent polling, discusses the political ramifications ahead of the 2026 midterms, and analyzes other hot topics, including Trump’s self-deportation policy for illegal immigrants, Israel’s internal inquiry into the October 7th terrorist attacks, and Trump’s massive new naval shipbuilding plan. The episode also features direct commentary from President Trump and an impassioned look at how political messaging affects public perception.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disputing the Media Narrative: Trump’s Approval Ratings

• Dissecting New Polls:

  • Ferguson opens by addressing claims from “the media and the Democratic Party” that Trump’s presidency is “a disaster,” countering with Insider Advantage polling which shows Trump at a 50% approval, +9 net rating among likely voters (00:35).
  • Men’s approval: 59% approve, 34% disapprove; Women are less favorable, but polling shows consistent Republican support.
  • Trump is “even” among voters under 40, defying standard expectations for younger voter blocs.

• Key Quote:

  • “President Donald Trump now enjoys a 50% approval rating with a net approval rating of +9 points, according to the latest polling from Insider Advantage.” (Ben Ferguson, 00:52)

• Demographic Breakdown:

  • Ages 18-39: 44% approve, 44% disapprove, 13% neutral.
  • Ages 40-64: 54% approve, 39% disapprove; strong numbers a year into the term.
  • “Of those between 40 and 64, this is where Donald Trump eats. This is where conservative candidates usually have their best polling number.” (Ben Ferguson, 06:57)

2. Trump’s Standing Among Party and Independents

• Within Parties:

  • Trump holds 84% approval among Republicans, 25% among Democrats—a “disaster poll for Democrats” (07:17).
  • 11% of Republicans disapprove, attributed by Ferguson to anti-Israel sentiment or oil/gas industry dissatisfaction.

• Independents/Unaffiliateds:

  • Trump slightly underwater: 37% approval, 41% disapprove, 22% neutral. Ferguson predicts this will shift with new tax relief policies (10:00).

3. Media Bias and Real Clear Politics

• Ferguson questions aggregate polls—like the Real Clear average (44% approve, 53% disapprove)—as “skewed heavily against the president” (11:05).

• Key Quote:

  • “Donald Trump has made it clear that his job is to make life easier for everyone. His job is for you to be able to make it on your own in life and without the government ruining it for you.” (Ben Ferguson, 11:25)

4. Major Policy Announcements: The Golden Fleet

• Trump’s Naval Expansion:

  • Live from Mar-a-Lago, Trump announces two new massive battleships, dubbed the “Golden Fleet”—the largest and most powerful since WWII.
  • “These are bigger, but they will have 100 times the force, the power. And there’s never been anything like these ships.” (Donald Trump, 12:37)
  • Jobs: Strong emphasis on American manufacturing, “keeping jobs alive in this country” (15:56).

• Aircraft Carriers: New classes of carriers set to improve U.S. naval supremacy.

5. Political Developments Abroad: Israel After October 7 Attacks

• Netanyahu and 10/7 Inquiry:

  • Israeli PM plans to model an October 7 inquiry after the U.S. 9/11 Commission, aiming for bipartisanship, but faces opposition resistance.
  • “They want there to be an inquiry that would allow for them to get rid of Netanyahu and the people in and around him.” (Ferguson, 24:30)
  • Discussion of political exploitation of tragedy—parallels drawn to U.S. gun control debates.

• Key Quote:

  • Netanyahu: “That we address this question of investigating what happened on October 7 is the same way that the United States investigated... September 11th... establish a Bipartisan investigatory committee, half of whose members will be appointed by the coalition, half... by the opposition.” (Mark Levin, quoting Netanyahu, 22:54)

6. Self-Deportation Policy: $3,000 Holiday Stipend and Its Rationale

• Details of the Program:

  • DHS offers a $3,000 stipend to illegal immigrants who self-deport by Dec. 31 — framed as cheaper and more humane than enforcement-based removals.
  • “If you self deport, you have a chance to come back into this country legally, keyword legally.” (Ben Ferguson, 38:14)
  • ICE, Ferguson claims, supports the program: Less court time, paperwork, lawyer fees versus forced deportation (49:33).

• Reactions from Callers and Host:

  • Some callers concerned about rewarding bad behavior; Ferguson and ICE agents say expense is justified (52:32).

• Key Quotes:

  • Ferguson: “$3,000 to get rid of someone who’s taking up a home or an apartment and their money is not staying in America’s economy is a no brainer. It’s not just the tax dollars. It’s the cash.” (53:10)
  • Caller Jeff (Hawaii): “I truly believe this is a great program. But again, it’s got to be executed with great discipline.” (57:22)

• Call-in Feedback:

  • Overall, most callers support the stipend—with reservations about stipulations and enforcement—seeing it as pragmatic and fiscally sound.

7. Economy, Messaging, and the Road to Midterms

• Is America “Better Off Now”?:

  • Tension between statistical improvements (lower inflation, wage growth, rent decreases post-policy) and public perception.
  • “This midterm election is going to come down to the economy. I think it’s going to be all the economy.” (Ben Ferguson, 65:48)
  • Debate with callers questioning whether improvements are fast or visible enough.

• Key Quotes:

  • “Is it the best money we can spend and showing compassion for illegal immigrants at the same time humanizing them?” (Ben Ferguson, 45:44)
  • “If you get rid of 5 million illegal immigrants, the economy drastically improves for American citizens. So that’s part of this.” (Ben Ferguson, 65:48)

8. President Trump’s Multi-Issue Press Conference

• Highlights (98:23+):

  • Trump takes an unusual volume and range of questions—from shipbuilding and the Golden Fleet to drug policy, Venezuela, Colombia, the seized oil tankers, Epstein file photo releases, and more.
  • “There is nothing he is unwilling to discuss. This is part of the president being the most transparent president in modern political history.” (Ben Ferguson, 98:23)

• On Bill Clinton/Epstein Files (96:44+):

  • “I like Bill Clinton... I hate to see photos come out of him. But this is what the Democrats, mostly Democrats and a couple of bad Republicans are asking for… you ruin a reputation of somebody. So a lot of people are very angry that this continues.” (Donald Trump, 100:53)

• International Flashpoints:

  • Trump issues stern warnings to Colombia on drug production: “He better close up those cocaine factories. At least three major cocaine factories, we know where they are. He better close them up fast.” (Donald Trump, 95:13 / 104:55)

9. Culture Wars & Woke Critiques

• Woke “Decolonizing Santa” Story:
  • Ferguson ridicules a UK museum's efforts to “decolonize” Santa Claus, calling such policies attacks on faith, tradition, men, and whiteness (79:19 ff).
  • “If you thought the left was going to just sit by quietly as we try to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ... you’d be wrong. Santa is not just a man that they say is too male. I’m not making this up. But they also say that Santa is just too white.” (Ben Ferguson, 79:19)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Disproving Media Narratives:
  • “The Republican Party is a disaster... The supporters are fleeing… We’ve got data to show that is nothing but political propaganda from state sponsored media.” (Ben Ferguson, 00:35)
• On Gas Prices & Economy:
  • “I bought premium unleaded gasoline today for 2.52 a gallon... That is crazy how fast the President has gotten that, that low.” (Ben Ferguson, 09:37)
• On the Golden Fleet:
  • “These are the best in the world. They’ll be the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” (Donald Trump, 12:37)
• On Netanyahu & the 10/7 Commission:
  • “There is no better way to do this. They can ask any question, they can raise any subject, they can question anyone they want, including me.” (Netanyahu, via Levin, 24:30)
• On Self-Deportation Stipend:
  • “$3,000 is nothing when you’re dealing with deportation and you’re dealing with time, paperwork… It frees up for us to go after the hard criminals and the worst among us.” (Ben Ferguson, 52:46)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |---------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:35 | Ferguson intro—poll results, debunking Trump approval narrative | | 06:57 | Key demographic and age breakdowns | | 07:17 | Trump's intra-party support/troubles with certain Republicans | | 10:00 | Independent voters’ numbers; Impact of new Trump policies | | 12:37 | Trump announces the Golden Fleet battleships | | 22:54 | Netanyahu’s comments on 10/7 commission (via Levin) | | 38:14 | Ferguson highlights self-deportation stories and rationale | | 45:44 | Self-deportation PR benefit, host analysis | | 96:44 | Trump on Bill Clinton/Epstein file photos | | 104:55 | Trump’s warning to Colombia on drug production | | 106:11 | Trump details the Golden Fleet battle plan | | 112:16 | Dallas caller: Taxpayers’ perspective on self-deportation |

Summary & Takeaways

• Trump’s high approval among key demographics, especially men and those over 40, contrasts sharply with the negative portrayal in most mainstream coverage.
• The $3,000 self-deportation stipend for undocumented immigrants is defended by Ferguson and most callers as a humanitarian, fiscally responsible, and pragmatic strategy—serving as a conservative answer to old debates about immigration enforcement.
• Trump’s naval expansion and high-profile, multi-issue press conference are held up as examples of national strength, job creation, and presidential transparency.
• The episode highlights the importance of narrative control in politics, with Ferguson and callers arguing that conservative policies, especially on the economy and immigration, need better messaging as the midterms approach.
• Ferguson and Levin draw parallels between the politicization of tragedy (in both the US and Israel) and the exploitation of political drama for gain.
• Discussion extends into culture war battles—such as “decolonizing Santa”—tying them to broader issues of national identity and political targeting.

Overall Tone: Direct, combative, and unapologetically conservative—emphasizing “facts over spin” and serving as a rallying cry for Trump supporters ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms.