Mark Levin Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Overview

Title: Criminalizing Criticism: The Implications of Virginia's Islamophobia Legislation
Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Mark Levin (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Special Guest: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

On this episode, Mark Levin evaluates two core themes:

1. The growing legislative push to define and criminalize "Islamophobia" in Virginia and its implications for free speech, religious liberty, and the First Amendment.
2. The broader issues of anti-Semitism, political partisanship, and leftist influence—both nationally and internationally.

Levin frames the discussion as a national call to vigilance against what he views as the criminalization of criticism, the erosion of civil liberties, and the rise of ideologically motivated censorship. The episode is laden with his signature combative tone, references to current events, and deep skepticism toward Democratic policies.

Episode Structure & Key Segments

00:00 – 10:43 | Intro, Recent Events, and Video Podcast Announcement

• Levin launches into a critique of Democratic resistance to voter ID, attacks on ICE, redistricting controversies, and "unconstitutional" dilution of Republican votes.
• Announces new “Liberty’s Voice” video podcast starting tomorrow at noon ET on YouTube and Rumble to amplify his conservative message.
• “This is our national town hall meeting right here.” (07:32, Mark Levin)

10:43 – 23:06 | Media Critique & International Affairs

• Criticizes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (AOC) statements on Taiwan, Venezuela, and Israel.
• Argues media has "created a phony out of her" and claims media bias.
• Condemns AOC’s comments on aid to Israel and alleged genocide in Gaza.
  • Notable Quote: “She’s an anti-Semitic pig. That’s what she is.” (12:08, Mark Levin)
• Praises Sen. John Fetterman for pushing back on anti-Israel rhetoric.
• Discusses the Democratic Socialists of America’s influence and alleged connections to anti-American interests.

23:06 – 33:42 | Netanyahu on Israel’s Sovereignty & Iran

• Plays and analyzes clips from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on U.S.-Israel relations, defense independence, and skepticism over Iran’s intentions in nuclear negotiations.
• Notable Quote: “Iran is reliable on one thing. They lie and they cheat.” (26:34, Netanyahu via Mark Levin)
• Argues that Iran will never honor any deal and draws parallels with North Korea’s history of broken promises.

33:42 – 47:11 | Virginia’s Islamophobia Bill and First Amendment Fears

• In-depth critique of Virginia Senate Bill 624 (SB624), which adds “Islamophobia” to hate crime law.
  • Cites Daniel Greenfield’s analysis, arguing the bill criminalizes criticism of Islam as an idea rather than protecting individuals.
  • Draws contrast with anti-Semitism legislation, which targets hatred toward Jews (people and institutions), not Judaism as a belief system.
  • Warns of a "slippery slope" to blasphemy laws and special legal status for Islam, undermining religious equality and free speech.
  • Notable Quote: “This is a legal sanction for speaking against an ideology.” (43:02, Mark Levin)

47:11 – 58:56 | Broad Critique: Illegitimate Power, Double Standards, and Islamist Influence

• Levin argues that the Left and Islamist coalitions seek to leverage democratic freedoms to establish ideological dominance, citing Europe and U.S. trends.
• Criticizes lack of Jewish and Christian representation in Islamic countries, yet sees special legislative privilege for Islam in U.S. state law.
• Warns listeners that Democrats, if unchecked, will permanently change America’s electoral and demographic landscape.

59:00 – 71:13 | Conservative Movement Infighting & Platform Manipulation

• Critiques figures like Steve Bannon, Candace Owens, and others for opportunism and undermining true conservative principles, especially regarding Israel and Trump.
• Ties Bannon’s controversies to the broader decay of the Republican messaging ecosystem, suggesting outside financial and foreign influences.

71:17 – 81:24 | Discussion of Anti-Law Enforcement Rhetoric and National Security

• Plays and criticizes remarks by California Governor Gavin Newsom at the Munich Security Conference, specifically his comparison of U.S. law enforcement to “secret police” in Germany.
• Levin argues such rhetoric undermines confidence in law enforcement and serves partisan ends.
  • Notable Quote: “Listen to these Democrats who hype up their base, which is illegal aliens, Marxists and Islamists and criminals. That’s their base.” (77:50, Mark Levin)

81:24 – 89:52 | Interview: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on Religious Liberty and Anti-Semitism

• Primary focus: Patrick discusses the Religious Liberty Council, its mission, and recent hearings—particularly the controversy involving council member Carrie Brujon Bowler and anti-Semitic remarks.
• Details on how faith issues, anti-Semitism, and confronting radical elements must be a proactive platform for the right.
  • Notable Quote: “We cannot have this in our party, we will fall and the nation will fall.” (95:44, Dan Patrick)

89:52 – End | Audience Calls & Closing Reflections

• Listeners call in about voter ID, the infiltration of Sharia law, suppression of free expression, and the assault on the First Amendment.
• Levin amplifies calls for vigilance and grassroots action while previewing next steps for his new video podcast.

Core Discussion Points & Insights

1. Virginia’s Islamophobia Legislation & Blasphemy Laws

• SB624 distinguishes “malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims.”
  • Levin and Daniel Greenfield argue this shifts protection from people to ideology, elevating Islam above other faiths in legal standing.
  • “Islamophobia” as legally defined could criminalize criticism of Islamic doctrine, opening the door to European-style blasphemy laws.
• Contrast with Anti-Semitism Laws:
  • Anti-Semitism legislation targets hatred against Jews and institutions, not Judaism as an idea.
  • Levin: “This isn’t about making sure attacks on Muslims are prosecuted, but about providing Islam with special privileges.” (40:12, paraphrased)

2. Media, Academia, and Political Advocacy

• Critiques of AOC, Bernie Sanders, and “Democratic Socialists” for anti-Israel stances, double standards on international human rights, and alleged ideological alliances (Communist China, Cuba, Venezuela).
• Recurring theme: Mainstream and international leftists allegedly support repressive regimes while attacking American and Israeli actions.

3. Anti-Semitism in Republican Ranks & Religious Liberty

• Lt. Gov. Patrick recounts an explosive hearing where Carrie Brujon Bowler conflated anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, repeatedly invoked “the Jews killed Jesus,” and derailed the discourse.
  • Franklin Graham and other religious leaders swiftly rebuked her.
  • Patrick: “She hijacked the committee... That’s not what it was for. After the hearing, I just made the decision she had to be removed. And she was removed.” (93:48, Dan Patrick)
• Patrick frames standing up to anti-Semitism as a litmus test for the health and unity of the Republican party.

4. Preservation of Civil Liberties & Voter Security

• Levin rails against efforts to dilute Republican votes (redistricting), eliminate voter ID, and enfranchise illegal immigrants—portraying them as assaults on democratic principles.
• Emphasizes historic U.S. ideals: one man/one vote, equal protection, free speech, and religious liberty.

5. Foreign Policy: Israel, Iran, and National Security

• Defense of U.S.-Israel alliance, insistence on Israel’s military self-reliance, and skepticism toward diplomatic engagement with Iran.
• Analysis of Netanyahu’s speech on U.S.-Israel and Iran, warning against repeating the mistakes made with North Korea.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Mark Levin on AOC and Israel:
  “She’s an anti-Semitic pig. That’s what she is.” (12:08)
• John Fetterman on Democratic anti-Israel voices:
  “Why is she so eager to criticize and find a way to criticize Israel, but I don’t recall them saying anything as Iran was executing thousands of protesters.” (17:52)
• Benjamin Netanyahu via Levin:
  “Iran is reliable on one thing. They lie and they cheat.” (26:34)
• Levin on Virginia’s SB624:
  “This is a legal sanction for speaking against an ideology.” (43:02)
• Levin on Democratic political strategy:
  “They're going to destroy our electoral system, they're going to destroy our legal system. They're going to empower themselves, the Democrat Party. And you're not going to recognize this country.” (46:23)
• Dan Patrick on anti-Semitism within the Republican Party:
  “We cannot have this in our party, we will fall and the nation will fall. And I’m, I’m willing to be in the fight all the way.” (95:44)

Additional Memorable Moments

• On leftist hypocrisy (mask mandates vs. police anonymity):
  “Now they’re against masks when it protects law enforcement officers from being identified… now they’re against masks because it reminds them of the SS.” (75:58, Mark Levin)
• On Gubernatorial power in Texas:
  “As lieutenant governor, I get to appoint all the committee chairs, all the committee members, write the budget… the lieutenant governor in Texas is like a majority leader.” (97:57, Dan Patrick)

Conclusion

Mark Levin’s episode foregrounds fears about legislative and cultural shifts that, in his view, risk criminalizing dissent and protecting ideological interests at the expense of American traditions of free speech and religious equality. Using Virginia’s Islamophobia bill as a focal point, he ties together local, national, and international controversies—in electoral politics, faith, media, and global security.

The episode is a call to action for conservative audiences to defend the First Amendment, remain vigilant against ideological legal overreach, and confront anti-Semitism wherever it arises, including within their own political ranks.