Mark Levin Podcast: "Immigration, Funding, and Political Power"

Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Mark Levin
Guest: Melania Trump (First Lady), Donald P. Hodel (Former Reagan Cabinet Official)
Podcast Network: Cumulus

Overview

In this dynamic, passionate episode, Mark Levin dissects the latest political battles over immigration policy, federal agency funding, and the ambitions of the Democratic party. With his signature no-holds-barred style, Levin frames the current disputes not merely as legislative or administrative, but as a fundamental struggle over political power and the future makeup of the American electorate. The episode features pointed commentary on congressional hearings, in-depth critique of key Democrats, exclusive interviews with Melania Trump and Donald Hodel, and strong historical perspective on governance—all delivered with Levin's trademark mix of constitutional expertise and rhetorical fire.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Immigration-Funding Showdown

• Democrats Block DHS, FEMA, TSA Funding:
  Levin claims Democrats have voted against funding core security agencies, with the intent to cause public disruption and blame Republicans. He accuses Democrats of “total lawlessness,” citing “sanctuary cities and states” as deliberate subversions of immigration enforcement.
  Quote:

  "They treat illegal aliens like first-class citizens. This is why they oppose the SAVE Act." [03:20]

• SAVE Act and Voting Integrity:
  Levin argues that the requirement for voter ID is essential to fair elections and that Democratic opposition signals a broader scheme:
  Quote:

  "This is the greatest power grab in American political history, letting in 20, 25 million illegal aliens trying to prevent them from being deported." [04:30]

• Manipulation of Representation and Electoral Advantage:
  Levin expresses outrage at efforts to count the population (citizens and non-citizens) for congressional seats and Electoral College votes, citing recent developments in Virginia where he believes the system is rigged for permanent Democratic dominance.

2. Congressional Hearings: Keith Ellison Under Fire

• Exchange on Antisemitism:
  Levin features a Senate hearing where Minnesota AG Keith Ellison is pressed to condemn Louis Farrakhan’s antisemitic rhetoric, but deflects, leading Levin to indict the Democratic Party for tolerating extremism and bigotry.
  Notable Moment:

  Senator: "Will you condemn Louis Farrakhan's comments saying that Judaism is a dirty religion?"
  Ellison: "I thought I was coming here to talk about immigration policy." [08:26] Levin: "He doesn't want to criticize Farrakhan, does he?" [08:48]

• Claims of Foreign Influence in US Politics:
  Levin alleges that groups like Democratic Socialists of America are “…an influence operation by communist China, Communist Cuba, and Venezuela…” [10:04]
• Comparing ICE to the Boston Massacre:
  Ellison compares federal immigration enforcement to historical acts of oppression, prompting a fierce rebuke from Levin about the constitutional role of federal immigration authority.
  Quote:

  "How stupid is this guy? Immigration in our country is controlled by the federal government under the federal Constitution..." [11:42]

3. Immigration Law, Due Process, & Enforcement

• Debate on Civil vs. Criminal Violations:
  In exchanges between Ellison and Senators, Levin seizes upon the attempt to muddy distinctions between civil removal and criminal prosecution, insisting that illegal presence is sufficient grounds for removal under federal law.
  Quote:

  "The idea that you get due process isn't exactly right." [37:45]

• Safe Third Country and Asylum:
  Senators challenge Ellison’s expansive definition of asylum and his apparent unwillingness to support the removal of illegal entrants absent individualized hardship.

4. Allegations of Corruption & Political Vendettas

• Senator Josh Hawley vs. Keith Ellison:
  A heated exchange unfolds regarding campaign donations from indicted individuals and handling of massive welfare fraud in Minnesota; Ellison denies wrongdoing while Senators read from transcripts.
  Notable Quote:

  Hawley: "You helped fraudsters defraud your state and this government of $9 billion. And you got a fat campaign contribution out of it. You ought to be indicted." [43:35]

5. Mark Levin’s Media Plans & Podcast Philosophy (Interspersed)

• Launching ‘Liberty’s Voice’:
  Levin announces his forthcoming video podcast, distancing himself from what he perceives as vulgarity and anti-American rhetoric pervading digital media today.
  Quote:

  "I want to stand up to this and I want you to help me do that. This is going to be pro-American, about Americanism." [16:55]

Extended Interview: Melania Trump (First Lady)

[17:42–33:20]

Reuniting Displaced Children & Advocacy

• On Russian and Ukrainian Child Reunification:
  Melania details her ongoing work to reunite children separated by conflict, celebrating recent successes:

  "Today marks the third reunification since I have been working strategically with both nations… I helped facilitate the return of children to their families..." [18:12]

• Documentary “Melania”:
  She discusses motivations and behind-the-scenes stories:

  "I'm very proud to share never seen before moments... only 20 days leading to the presidential election inauguration and they will see what it require and what planning goes in to becoming ... First Lady again." [19:29]

• Children & Online Protections:
  Focus on legislative successes such as laws against deepfake exploitation:

  "Take a Down act was signed into a new law to enhance federal online protections for the children from online deepfakes. That is a big win." [23:13]

• Personal Reflections:
  On balancing public scrutiny, parenting, and partnership with President Trump:

  "I stay true to myself … I know what I like and what I don't like ... My family, it's my priority." [25:57, 29:21]

Judicial Critique: Mark Levin on Federal Judges

[45:34–54:07]

• Attack on Judge Richard Leone:
  Levin lambasts federal district judge precedent for blocking disciplinary action against lawmakers who encourage military personnel to refuse “illegal orders,” arguing this undermines military discipline and constitutional order.
• On First Amendment, the Military, and Political Action:
  Critiques what he calls a “partisan political” ruling and faults dual standards between courtrooms and chain of command, drawing on his own experiences in administration.

US Policy Towards Iran

[55:31–69:48]

• Advocacy for Military Action:
  Levin presses for regime change in Iran as a national security and moral imperative, warning against repeating failed “deals” akin to those with North Korea.

  "Our obligation, yes, our obligation, our generation, to help save those people over there, to take out Khomeini and his thugs..." [55:31] "If we don't take them out… the question is, do we take the path of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher… or do we take the path of Joe Biden, Barack Obama?" [60:07]

• Highlight: Praise for John Fetterman:
  Applauds Democratic Senator Fetterman for supporting military strikes when most Democrats demur:

  "As far as I know, John Fetterman is the only Democrat senator to say, and I quote, if Iran’s strikes are needed, I'll be the only Democrat who backs them." [68:12]

Second Hour Highlights & Interview: Donald P. Hodel

[81:57–99:28]

• Interview with Donald Hodel:
  Former Reagan cabinet secretary, reflecting on faith, public service, loss, and executive leadership.
  • Faith After Tragedy:
    Hodel details how losing his son to suicide solidified his faith and perspective on adversity.

    "We found how hopeless we were without Christ in our lives..." [84:02]

  • Lessons from the Reagan Administration:
    Emphasis on the possibility of environmental stewardship and prosperity—“We could have both.” [94:04]
    • Praise for Reagan’s principle-based leadership:

      "He was a man of integrity. He had a clear vision for America..." [95:19]

    • Importance of family and his late wife in his career and faith journey.
  • Book Plug:
    “Call to Serve: My Path to President Reagan’s Cabinet and Beyond”

Return to Immigration: Caller Reflections

[102:53–104:43]

• Comparing US and Mexican Policy:
  A caller highlights the irony of strict identity checks in Mexico vs. US, backing the need for voter ID and enforcement.

  "My grandmother can't buy a bottle of Mogan David wine without showing her id. But then other people… don’t have to show [ID] when it comes to voting..." [104:34]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Levin:

  "They treat illegal aliens like first class citizens. This is why they oppose the SAVE Act." [03:20]

• Sen. to Ellison:

  "Will you condemn Louis Farrakhan’s comments saying that Judaism is a dirty religion?" [08:26]

• Levin:

  "He doesn’t want to criticize Farrakhan, does he?" [08:48]

• Sen. Hawley:

  "You helped fraudsters defraud your state and this government of $9 billion. And you got a fat campaign contribution out of it. You ought to be indicted." [43:35]

• Melania Trump:

  "I'm very proud to share never seen before moments in my life..." [19:29]

• Donald Hodel:

  “We found how hopeless we were without Christ in our lives…” [84:02]

• Levin (on Iran):

  "Our obligation, yes, our obligation, our generation, to help save those people over there, to take out Khomeini and his thugs..." [55:31]

Structure & Tone

Levin’s tone throughout is direct, combative, and patriotic—equal parts legal reasoning and rhetorical broadside, alternately incensed and sentimental, especially during interviews and segments on faith and family. The podcast is fast-paced, with frequent transitions between news commentary, curated audio clips from congressional hearings, and longer-form interviews.

Key Takeaways

• Levin frames current immigration/funding battles as a coordinated Democrat gambit to cement power through electoral manipulation.
• He portrays the left as embracing lawlessness, identity politics, and foreign influence.
• Congressional hearings, especially around Keith Ellison, are used to illustrate ideological extremism within Democratic leadership.
• Guest interviews offer humanizing balance—Melania Trump as a poised, mission-driven advocate; Donald Hodel as a testament to principled conservative public service.
• Calls for assertive US action on the world stage, especially towards Iran, and for redoubled efforts to foster patriotism and integrity in American media.

For listeners who missed this episode:
This podcast is a vigorous two-hour tour through the week’s biggest political fights, offering both granular policy scrutiny and old-school, Reagan-era idealism. Expect provocative argument, occasionally bracing language, and both a defense and a celebration of American tradition and conservative values—seasoned with exclusive insights from household political names.