Mark Levin Podcast: 2/26/26 - Beware of Fake "Patriots" Trying to Destroy the Country

Host: Mark Levin
Date: February 27, 2026
Episode Theme: Exposing “fake patriots,” defending America’s foundations, and confronting contemporary dangers—foreign and domestic—threatening the nation’s unity and values.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mark Levin sounds the alarm about threats to America from “fake patriots” within the political sphere, focusing especially on the resurgence of isolationist, anti-Semitic, and anti-Christian sentiments echoing the 1930s. He draws parallels between current events and the rise of totalitarian movements in history, warns of ideological infiltration and division, and critiques political and judicial actors undermining national security and American values. Key topics include the Iran nuclear threat, immigration policy failures, left-wing and isolationist influences, California’s dangerous political climate, antisemitism, and the importance of historical literacy.

Levin also hosts guest Steve Hilton (candidate for California Governor) for a discussion on the Golden State's woes, and political strategist Mark Penn for reflections on polling, economic perception, and the Clinton presidency.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Return of Totalitarian Playbooks and "Fake Patriots"

• Historical Parallels: Levin begins by comparing current U.S. social dynamics to pre-WWII Germany, warning of how advanced societies can fall to totalitarian movements when “the citizenry ignore warning signs and weak politicians acquiesce.”
  • Quote: “What starts out as a cabal winds up as a movement. It’s the way totalitarianism often works. And then one day, it’s so bad… it’s too late.” (03:18)
• Isolationism and Antisemitism: He connects present-day “fake patriots” to the isolationist “America First” movement of the 1930s, identifying figures like Charles Lindbergh and Father Coughlin as precedents for current demagogues.
  • Quote: “They call themselves nationalists when they’re not calling themselves populists… They are playing right out of the 1930s playbook.” (10:30)
• Contemporary Targets: Levin ties these dangers to growing antisemitism and anti-Christian persecution, both abroad and domestically.
• Critique of Figures on the Right: Levin singles out Tucker Carlson as a modern embodiment of these trends, likening his rhetoric to Nazi propagandists.
  • Quote: “Carlson’s comments are those of a Goebbels, like Hitler wannabe. He would have fit in beautifully... with the Third Reich.” (12:35)

2. Failure of GOP Leadership and Need to Speak Out

• Demands Accountability: Levin criticizes Republican leaders for their silence in the face of rising extremist rhetoric and actions.
  • Quote: “Your silence is deafening. It’s disastrous for the country. It is disastrous for the party.” (16:05)

3. The Iran Nuclear Threat and Diplomatic Cynicism

• Cynicism about Diplomacy: He is staunchly skeptical about ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran, arguing that the regime is insincere and dangerous.
  • Jerusalem Post headline cited on U.S.-Iran talks: “What is this, happy hour? What the hell is going on here with these, these terrorists?” (27:33)
• Senate Voices: Plays audio from Senator John Kennedy, highlighting the dangerous religious extremism of Iran’s leadership.
  • Kennedy: “If you do not agree with his interpretation of God, then you deserve to die.” (18:07)
• Analogy to North Korea: Levin draws a parallel with failed agreements with North Korea.
  • Quote: “How many chances do they get? We prefer a negotiation. … Imagine a country. Imagine nuclear weapons, ICBMs and ballistic missiles. That you’re dealing with a death cult, not a car.” (23:30)

4. Critique of Left-Wing Judicial and Political Structures

• Immigration & National Security: Levin rails against Democratic judges and politicians who block deportations and undermine national security, arguing they enable dangerous actors within America.
• Attack on Media and Academia: Claims universities, media, and corporations are “selling out,” echoing criticisms of elite complicity.

5. Immigration, Border Security, and the Democratic Party's Weakness

• Polling Evidence: Levin highlights polling data (via Harry Enten, CNN) showing Democrats trailing badly on immigration and border security.
  • Enten: “Republicans are the ones who actually have an edge on immigration... Democrats are in a worse position than they were during Donald Trump’s first term.” (38:50)
  • “Approval on immigration at this point of presidency: Biden was at just 34%. Donald Trump… at 45%.” (40:57)
• Critique of Gavin Newsom & California's Decline: Repeatedly mocks California Governor Newsom’s leadership and the effects of one-party Democratic control.
• Interview: Steve Hilton for Governor
  • Hilton describes California as a “disaster zone” suffering under leftist policy and touts his campaign’s momentum. Levin endorses Hilton.
  • Hilton: "Sixteen years of one-party rule, everything’s a disaster... Time for change.” (45:28)

6. Antisemitism and CAIR

• Highlighting Dangerous Rhetoric: Levin condemns a recorded statement by CAIR Ohio’s executive director alleging grotesque conspiracies against Israel.
  • Quote (Khalid Tehrani): “They are literally skinning the dead bodies of my brothers and sisters in Palestine.” (63:50)
  • Levin: “These are the kinds of statements that were resonating during the birth of the Third Reich.” (64:29)
• Accusation against CAIR: Levin claims CAIR functions as a “Hamas front group” and is undermining U.S. society through organized infiltration.

7. Corruption in the Justice System: The Fani Willis Case

• Grant Scandal: Detailed recounting of allegations that Atlanta DA Fani Willis’ office received millions in sole-source DOJ grants while prosecuting Trump, suggesting quid pro quo corruption.
  • “That is a massive grant... her office ultimately received $2 million... More than $18 million in funding [from DOJ] between 2021 and 2024.” (69:57)

8. National Disunity and Erosion of Civic Norms

• Condemnation of Political Decorum Erosion: Conversation with Mark Penn, reflecting on the demise of State of the Union decorum and the broader polarization of American politics.
  • Penn: “It degrades our politics when people just don’t, you know, just show up, be respectful…” (80:02)

9. Polling, the Economy, and 2024-2026 Landscape

• Penn’s Analysis: Mark Penn discusses why, even with low trust, Democrats have a polling edge, citing economic perceptions and voter discontent.
  • “You have now… Democrats [with the] lowest rating, but they’re still ahead.” (84:07)
• Economic Messaging: Penn urges clearer Republican articulation of economic achievements and strategy.
• Game Promo: Discussion of Penn’s educational political strategy game, 270.com

10. Listener Q&A

• Green Card Policies: Levin answers a caller about the revocation of green cards, clarifying they can be withdrawn for criminal or fraudulent activity, not solely based on nationality. (95:42)
• Election Integrity Concerns: Another caller discusses Democratic organizing at Virginia polling places.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is how it happens. What starts out as a cabal winds up as a movement. It’s the way totalitarianism often works. … But it’s too late.” – Mark Levin (03:18)
• “Carlson’s comments are those of a Goebbels, like Hitler wannabe… He would have fit in beautifully with the Third Reich.” – Mark Levin (12:35)
• “Your silence is deafening. It’s disastrous for the country.” – Mark Levin, addressing Republicans (16:05)
• “What is this, happy hour? What the hell is going on here with these, these terrorists?” – Mark Levin on Iran talks (27:33)
• “If you do not agree with his interpretation of God, then you deserve to die.” – Senator John Kennedy on Iran’s Ayatollah (18:07)
• "They are organizing, they are funded, they are motivated. We American citizens, we believe leave well enough alone… It is our generosity… that is being exploited to be destroyed by CARE and other… traitor organizations." – Mark Levin (66:10)
• “I hope they run on affordability. Whoever the Republican nominee is should be able to ram that down [Newsom’s] throat.” – Mark Levin (56:30)
• Steve Hilton: “All I did was stand there and tell the truth very clearly… After 16 years of one-party rule, everything’s a disaster.” (45:28)
• Harry Enten: “Democrats are in a worse position than they were at this point during Donald Trump’s first term.” (38:50)
• Mark Penn: “It degrades our politics when people just don’t, you know, just show up, be respectful, applaud, don’t applaud, but, you know, try to make scenes to get… social media cues…” (80:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:33 | Historical warning: parallels to rise of totalitarianism and Nazi Germany | | 10:30 | Fake “patriots” and the 1930s America First legacy, critique of the Right | | 12:35 | Direct condemnation of Tucker Carlson's rhetoric | | 16:05 | Call for Republican leaders to denounce extremists | | 17:57 | Senator Kennedy’s remarks on Iran’s theocracy | | 21:18 | Critique of “we prefer diplomacy” with Iranian regime | | 27:33 | Analysis of US-Iran nuclear negotiations as “head fake” | | 38:50 | Immigration polling breakdown with Harry Enten (CNN audio) | | 45:21 | Interview: Steve Hilton on California’s crisis and his gubernatorial run | | 63:50 | Audio: CAIR Ohio director’s antisemitic rant | | 69:10 | DOJ grant scandal involving Fulton County DA Fani Willis | | 80:02 | Mark Penn on the decline of political decorum | | 84:07 | Analysis of why Democrats are polling ahead despite low approval | | 95:42 | Listener Q&A: Green card revocation and election integrity |

Conclusion

Mark Levin’s 2/26/26 episode is a broadside against “fake patriots,” leftist and isolationist influence, and weak-willed political actors enabling extremism abroad and disorder at home. Through historical warnings, contemporary news, guest interviews, and pointed listener interactions, Levin stresses unity, vigilance, and an informed republic. He urges Republicans to confront internal and external threats to America’s Judeo-Christian foundations, calls out antisemitism’s resurgence, and amplifies voices for reform in broken states like California.

For more:

• Check out Liberty’s Voice, Mark Levin’s new video podcast, on YouTube and Rumble.
• Follow the ongoing gubernatorial campaign at SteveHiltonForGovernor.com
• Try Mark Penn’s serious political game at 270.com

Note: All timestamps (MM:SS) refer to moments in the episode and may be approximate.