10/12/26 - Columbus Day, Zelensky's Dilemma & Trump's Two-War Strategy

On Monday’s Mark Levin Show, WJNO’s Brian Mudd fills in for Mark. Columbus Day and the American Miracle. We still celebrate Columbus Day, right? It is a federal holiday by statute, after all. It’s OK to wish someone a Happy Columbus Day. Unless you’re a woke libtard influenced by secular pop culture, in which case you celebrate something called Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is not a federal holiday. In fact, if it weren’t for Columbus, there’s a really good chance July 4th, 1776 wouldn’t have happened. According to AI, the odds of the American colonists beating the British to win independence and then becoming the world’s superpower were 0–0.001%. In the past 250 years, the average standard of living has increased exponentially. Increased wealth led to increased philanthropy, leading to advances in tech, science, medicine, and religion. Without the USA, could the Allies have won World War II? It’s very easy to overlook the probable fact that without Christopher Columbus, there would be no United States of America. Also, is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky OK with maintaining the status quo of war with Russia? Trump made a deal with Russian President Putin for diesel fuel, but the bigger news was he called on the Ukrainian people to elect a new leader who will make a deal to end the war. Trump holds all the cards: America provides 45% of Ukraine’s weapons, including the deep-strike weapons Ukraine has used to hit Russian refineries and drive up diesel prices. Trump has asked Zelenskyy to stop hitting Russian energy but to no avail. What is Zelensky’s motivation? He’s unpopular in Ukraine and would probably lose an election, but he’s suspended elections until he has 60 days of peace. As long as the war continues, Zelensky stays president. Suppose Trump withholds the 45% of Ukrainian weapons that America provides? Trump’s strategy behind his deal with Putin is not just lowering diesel prices, it’s putting maximum pressure on Zelensky to end the war. Finally, two things can be true at once. The Iran war did increase oil prices, but oil shipments out of the Strait of Hormuz have resumed at 74% of pre-war levels and are getting better. But refined products—like diesel—are still lagging behind. We’re winning the war in Iran. They are throwing the kitchen sink in a desperate attempt to disrupt the flow of oil out of the Strait because Iran is in dire economic trouble. They are almost out of oil to sell and almost out of money. To send weapons to terror proxies like the Houthis, they need money. Trump’s strategy of parallel paths to bring both wars—Iran and Russia/Ukraine—to an end is working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the same party seeking to reshape the Constitution is targeting the Supreme Court first by eliminating the filibuster, packing the lower courts and the Supreme Court with additional justices, and presenting themselves as the true constitutionalists while pursuing a broader political agenda. Later, if Republicans continue to outperform polling in the same way they have in past cycles, states like Michigan, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio could shift Republican, allowing Republicans to hold the Senate. But none of that matters unless we vote like everything is on the line because everything is on the line. Democrats are trying to weaken this president through investigations, lay the groundwork for future political gains, and pursue changes that would fundamentally alter the country, including amnesty and other policies would be difficult to reverse. Our goal is to hold the Senate and the House and advance the cause of liberty and constitutionalism in this election cycle. We are the real activists, not the commentators on television or the internet, and that by turning out to vote early and on Election Day we can push our side to victory. This election is different because everything is on the line, and regardless of past disagreements within the party, Republicans must unite in the general election. Democrats would raise energy, fuel, food, electricity, and housing costs rather than lower them, while also reopening the borders and weakening law enforcement. This election is critical because the policies and direction of the country are at stake and no, it’s not about nationalism, as natcons would have you believe. It's about Americanism. The problems seen in places like France and Britain are already taking root in America, and if President Donald Trump had not been re-elected, the United States would be facing the same path. A Marxist-Islamist alliance is already here, supported by Democrats who are undermining the Constitution, the Supreme Court, law enforcement, the military, and the nation's checks and balances in pursuit of centralized power and one-party rule. Mass immigration by people who do not intend to assimilate, along with the influence of radicals in universities, the media, and politics, threatens civil society and Americanism. This election is a choice between preserving America, constitutional government, and the rule of law, or allowing forces that seek to fundamentally transform and ultimately destroy the nation to prevail. Later, AG Letitia James pursued investigations into President Trump and those around him despite claims from a whistleblower that investigators repeatedly found no evidence of wrongdoing. According to prosecutor Daniel Wiesenfeld, his supervisors acknowledged there was no case but said the investigation continued because it was ultimately James’ decision, leading him to believe prosecutors were being directed to find crimes after targeting specific individuals rather than following evidence. This violates basic legal and ethical principles. If such practices continue, more politically motivated investigations will follow, diverting attention and resources away from other issues while fueling partisan conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, we should never surrender American sovereignty to international bodies like the International Criminal Court because we don’t want unelected foreign judges, many of whom come from systems that do not share our standards of due process and civil liberties, to have the power to prosecute our citizens, soldiers, president, vice president, or other government officials. This same principle has guided Israel's opposition to efforts to prosecute Benjamin Netanyahu, and that people like Zohran Mamdani embrace a form of globalism that places international institutions above national sovereignty, which is fundamentally incompatible with America's constitutional system. Meanwhile, there have been a series of bomb threats targeting Orthodox Jewish schools and public schools in Jewish neighborhoods in Brooklyn. These incidents receive too little national attention and are becoming normalized. Also, while media competition has expanded with podcasts and streaming, the Mark Levin show affiliates have helped us grow across radio and digital platforms, allowing us to reach audiences in more ways than ever. This midterm election is critically important, and this program is focused on the issues, the candidates, and turnout rather than turning it into a committee discussion. Later, who cares if the execution of the Fort Hood killer should be streamed? He had his due process, he's been sitting there for years, and he's lived a lot longer than he should have under the circumstances. If people want to watch it, they can watch it; if they don't want to watch it, they don't have to; just carry out the sentence and be done with it. Finally, Asra Nomani calls in and explains that what began as French students protesting overcrowded schools, teacher shortages, and poor learning conditions has evolved into a broader movement supported and amplified by a network of labor unions, communist and socialist organizations, political parties, activist groups, and international media outlets. Nomani identified a network of 50 organizations involved in mobilizing demonstrations, organizing strikes, and promoting the protests globally, with groups linked to far-left political causes, Palestinian activism, and anti-capitalist movements playing prominent roles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday’s Mark Levin Show, the media aggressively target President Trump, his cabinet, and other administration officials through stories based on anonymous sources, which are often coordinated with Democrats and bureaucrats as part of an inside-outside game to undermine the administration.  These stories are examples of pseudo news designed to advance ideological agendas and damage reputations. There’s a New York Times article involving Mark’s stepson, a senior adviser to Ambassador Mike Huckabee in Israel, and it reflects a familiar pattern in which entrenched State Department bureaucrats leak information and attempt to sabotage the policies of the Trump administration. Also, Michele Tafoya calls in with an update on her Senate race in Minnesota. Many voters are open to crossing party lines because they’re deeply frustrated and eager for change. The biggest issues facing Minnesota are the massive taxpayer fraud that allowed billions of dollars to disappear, a rise in crime and gang violence that has shaken communities, and an education system where too many students are failing to meet grade-level standards in reading and math.  Later, AG Letitia James pursued investigations into President Trump and those around him despite claims from a whistleblower that investigators repeatedly found no evidence of wrongdoing. According to prosecutor Daniel Wiesenfeld, his supervisors acknowledged there was no case but said the investigation continued because it was ultimately James’ decision, leading him to believe prosecutors were being directed to find crimes after targeting specific individuals rather than following evidence. This violates basic legal and ethical principles. If such practices continue, more politically motivated investigations will follow, diverting attention and resources away from other issues while fueling partisan conflict. Finally, Brian Kilmeade calls in to discuss his new book, Uniting the States: Six Crucial Moments That Forged the American Miracle – Six Founders Who Shaped America's Revolutionary Democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday’s Mark Levin Show, the problems seen in places like France and Britain are already taking root in America, and if President Donald Trump had not been re-elected, the United States would be facing the same path. A Marxist-Islamist alliance is already here, supported by Democrats who are undermining the Constitution, the Supreme Court, law enforcement, the military, and the nation's checks and balances in pursuit of centralized power and one-party rule. Mass immigration by people who do not intend to assimilate, along with the influence of radicals in universities, the media, and politics, threatens civil society and Americanism. This election is a choice between preserving America, constitutional government, and the rule of law, or allowing forces that seek to fundamentally transform and ultimately destroy the nation to prevail. Also, on the 3-year anniversary of October 7th, Zohran Mamdani accuses Israel of genocide, apartheid, and war crimes, arguing that Israel is a diverse society rather than an apartheid state. The claim of a genocide in Gaza is absurd. He is a disgusting jihadist, pure and simple. He couldn’t even shut his foul mouth for one day. Mamdani is now the face of the Marxist-Islamist alliance which is already inside the gates. Later, an arrest was made of an 18-year-old alleged ISIS sympathizer accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America. The FBI is doing a great job but there may be many more of these threats across the country. Terrorists exploited America’s freedoms and constitutional protections to attack the very society that grants them; how many extremists may already be living within the United States. Afterward, Mike Rogers calls in about his Senate race in Michigan. Rogers’ campaign is gaining momentum because more voters are recognizing the danger Abdul El-Sayed poses. El-Sayed has failed to condemn groups such as the IRGC and the Muslim Brotherhood, refuses to distance himself from inflammatory anti-Jewish rhetoric, and has contributed to a climate where Jewish students feel unsafe expressing their identity. More voters are waking up to the stakes of the race and rallying behind Rogers' campaign to prevent his election to the Senate. Finally, Sen Dan Sullivan joins the show with an update on his Sente race in Alaska. Sullivan’s opponent Mmary Peltola is aligned with the far left and would help advance policies that oppose Alaska’s oil, gas, and resource development while weakening the military and empowering anti-Alaska leadership in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday’s Mark Levin Show, our goal is to hold the Senate and the House and advance the cause of liberty and constitutionalism in this election cycle. We are the real activists, not the commentators on television or the internet, and that by turning out to vote early and on Election Day we can push our side to victory. This election is different because everything is on the line, and regardless of past disagreements within the party, Republicans must unite in the general election. Democrats would raise energy, fuel, food, electricity, and housing costs rather than lower them, while also reopening the borders and weakening law enforcement. This election is critical because the policies and direction of the country are at stake and no, it’s not about nationalism, as natcons would have you believe. It's about Americanism. Meanwhile, the Marxist-Islamist alliance is not isolated to one place but part of a broader global movement that is spreading from France and Britain to communities across the United States. America cannot confront such threats alone and must rely on alliances, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with other nations. True America First principles require strong allies, not isolationism, and history shows that partnerships were essential to America's founding and victory in World War II.  Later, when you go to vote remember that the Democrats have no plan to reduce prices. Just a few years ago, they massively increased prices -- for just about everything you need to live on. Food, housing, medicine, gas and electricity, etc.  And they so massively deficit spent and borrowed, they drove inflation through the roof, significantly reducing your buying power while increasing prices. There are simply no Democrat Party plans or policies to lower prices or to make necessities more affordable. They are ideologically incapable of doing so. If they win, price increases will be unleashed and the economy will nose-dive. Finally, Ken Paxton calls in with an update on his Senate race in Texas. Republicans have the numbers to win in Texas, but victory depends on turnout, so Paxton’s message is simple: get out and vote, and encourage friends and family to do the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Monday’s Mark Levin Show, the information being released by the Department of Justice points to massive corruption involving the Biden DOJ, Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith. Julie Kelly calls in to break it down. The operation was even worse than she had realized, arguing that Smith abused his authority by obtaining White House phone records, collecting communications involving officials, members of Congress, reporters, and others connected to President Trump. Kelly said the surveillance of Susie Wiles and other Trump associates began before Smith's appointment and represented a broader effort by the DOJ to monitor Trump and his campaign, which was even more extensive than Russiagate. And, the Biden White House was involved in all stages of the investigation. Meanwhile, the same party seeking to reshape the Constitution is targeting the Supreme Court first by eliminating the filibuster, packing the lower courts and the Supreme Court with additional justices, and presenting themselves as the true constitutionalists while pursuing a broader political agenda. Later, if Republicans continue to outperform polling in the same way they have in past cycles, states like Michigan, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio could shift Republican, allowing Republicans to hold the Senate. But none of that matters unless we vote like everything is on the line because everything is on the line. Democrats are trying to weaken this president through investigations, lay the groundwork for future political gains, and pursue changes that would fundamentally alter the country, including amnesty and other policies would be difficult to reverse. Afterward, the lawsuits being pursued by Democrat-led towns, cities, and states are designed to bankrupt and destroy oil companies, with trial lawyers standing to benefit while using the courts to achieve what cannot be accomplished through legislation. The Commerce Clause was created to encourage and protect interstate commerce, not to allow local governments to interfere with industries that affect the entire nation. Also, Rep Mike Lawler, calls in to discuss his re-election campaign in NY. This election is common sense and capitalism versus the socialist program of open borders, Medicare for all, and government takeovers pushed by Zohran Mamdani and the radicals who would vote for Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker. Finally, Eli Steele calls in to discuss his new documentary essay, White Guilt. After the Civil Rights victories of the 1960s, white America didn't just feel guilt. It surrendered its hold on America and that surrender became a weapon. Merit collapsed and standards fell. Individual responsibility gave way to grievance as power. And the institutions meant to lift people up were quietly repurposed to keep them down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the direct assault on our republic and Constitution is very concerning. Jack Smith abused his authority by obtaining secret subpoenas for communications from Republican members of Congress, numerous media organizations, journalists, and even the Mark Levin radio show, the only radio show in the country Smith went after, as part of his investigation into President Trump. These actions, carried out with the approval of federal judges and hidden from public view, violated constitutional protections, including separation of powers, the Speech and Debate Clause, and the First Amendment. This investigation was driven by political motives rather than justice. And make no mistake: the Biden White House was looped in on everything. Later, the events surrounding the attempted takeover of the FlyDubai airliner were nothing short of incredible. What stands out is the extraordinary heroism displayed by everyone involved: the pilot who fought for his life while still managing to save the aircraft, the passengers who helped subdue the co-pilot, and the civilians and crew who pulled the plane out of a terrifying nosedive. Meanwhile, the broader threat from Iran remains the central issue. While economic pressure and strikes against nuclear facilities have weakened the regime, the only lasting way to stop its nuclear ambitions and global terrorist activities is to remove the regime itself and support those inside Iran who are rising up against it. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bill requiring companies that operated before 1965 to search their records for ties to slavery is misguided and hypocritical. Why are businesses targeted when the Democratic Party had deep historical ties to slavery, the Confederacy, segregation, and the Ku Klux Klan. What does Newsom have to say about the family that owns the New York Times, whose ancestors were slaveowners and were involved in the slave trade, and covered for Stalin's massacre of Ukrainians in 1932 and covered for Hitler and the Nazis, and is currently Hamas' mouthpiece? If Newsom wants to investigate slavery, look no further than current day Africa and the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, Gavin Newsom’s bill requiring companies that operated before 1965 to search their records for ties to slavery is misguided and hypocritical. Why are businesses targeted when the Democratic Party had deep historical ties to slavery, the Confederacy, segregation, and the Ku Klux Klan. What does Newsom have to say about the family that owns the New York Times, whose ancestors were slaveowners and were involved in the slave trade, and covered for Stalin's massacre of Ukrainians in 1932 and covered for Hitler and the Nazis, and is currently Hamas' mouthpiece? If Newsom wants to investigate slavery, look no further than current day Africa and the Middle East.  Also, the Atlantic describes how Democrats are preparing a wide range of investigations if they win congressional majorities; this is proof that their focus is not on affordability or the issues Americans care about most, but on targeting President Trump, his administration, his family, and his allies. Democrats are organizing investigative strategies, compiling lists of potential targets, and planning aggressive oversight efforts that amount to political retribution disguised as accountability. These investigations, potential impeachment efforts, and plans to subpoena administration officials and even members of Trump’s family are part of a broader effort to weaken Trump’s presidency, advance partisan power, and position themselves for future political gains. This reflects a push toward one-party control, distracts from economic concerns, undermines institutions and traditions, and threatens the agenda voters elected Trump to carry out. Later, Zohran Mamdani says socialism means everyone should have what they need to live a dignified life and that it is the government’s job to provide it. This removes personal responsibility and requires taking money from hardworking people to give to others.  Socialism does not create prosperity, put groceries on shelves, or increase people’s income, but instead empowers bureaucrats while restricting individual freedom. Why would Americans would abandon a constitutional republic and capitalist system that has created opportunity and prosperity in favor of socialism promoted by Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday’s Mark Levin Show, the events surrounding the attempted takeover of the FlyDubai airliner were nothing short of incredible. What stands out is the extraordinary heroism displayed by everyone involved: the pilot who fought for his life while still managing to save the aircraft, the passengers who helped subdue the co-pilot, and the civilians and crew who pulled the plane out of a terrifying nosedive. Meanwhile, the broader threat from Iran remains the central issue.  While economic pressure and strikes against nuclear facilities have weakened the regime, the only lasting way to stop its nuclear ambitions and global terrorist activities is to remove the regime itself and support those inside Iran who are rising up against it. The war against Iran was never about the Strait of Hormuz. Later, Mark sat down for a Life, Liberty and Levin interview with Justice Samuel Alito, where they discussed his book and a wide range of topics, including originalism, textualism, the Constitution, Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address, judicial review, and the role of judges. Rather than focusing on politics or controversy, the conversation explored his ideas, personal background, Italian heritage, love of baseball, military service, and the influence of his parents. Afterward, Sean Hannity calls in and urges people across the country to understand the urgency of this moment, get involved and vote! We are facing a radical and extreme movement that openly lays out its agenda, while many elected Democrats refuse to challenge it because they fear political consequences. This is a clear choice between preserving our Constitution, our way of life, and the principles the country was built on, or embracing policies such as higher taxes, open borders, government expansion, court-packing, and other sweeping changes.  Also, Sen Ashley Moody joins the show and explains that this is a critical election not only for Florida but for the nation. We are facing candidates who openly identify as socialists and promote ideas that challenge the country's founding principles. Finally, Rep Chip Roy calls in and says we must come together around the principles we share, including faith, the Constitution, limited government, opportunity, and a love for America, even when we disagree on other issues. The greatest challenge is electorally defeating those who seek to undermine those values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices