Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: Is Trump Moderating His Positions?, Dylan Corbett on U.S. Immigration and the Catholic Church’s Controversial Statement & the President vs. BBC
Date: November 18, 2025
Host: Bill O’Reilly
Key Guest: Dylan Corbett (Executive Director, Hope Border Institute)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bill O’Reilly explores several timely political topics: President Trump’s recent moderations on four major issues, controversy and debate over U.S. immigration policy (with particular focus on the Catholic Church’s response and enforcement practices), a heated incident between Trump and the BBC, and developments in Mexico’s ongoing battle with drug cartels. Dylan Corbett of the Hope Border Institute joins for an in-depth discussion on immigration and the role of the Catholic Church. O’Reilly also offers poll data and biting commentary throughout.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Weekend Moderations (03:30–17:00)

Theme: O’Reilly details four high-profile shifts in President Trump's positions, characterizing each as a moderation of previous stances.

• Tariffs and Food Prices

  • Trump announced reductions or eliminations on tariffs for products including beef, avocados, tropical fruits, and fertilizers to help drive down grocery prices in America.
  • O’Reilly notes that while tariffs have raised money, they have not reduced consumer prices. He attributes ongoing high beef prices to a parasite issue with Mexican cattle, necessitating imports from Argentina.
    • “The reason that beef, steak and ground beef is so high is because we used to buy a lot of Mexican meat, but we can’t now because there’s some kind of parasite… Our prices for beef go up.” (06:30)
  • O'Reilly self-reflects on personal choices—opting for chicken and seafood over steak to do his part for prices.

• Changing Tone on New York City Mayor Mamdani

  • Days earlier, Trump publicly lambasted NYC Mayor Mamdani as a “communist” and threatened to withhold federal funds. Over the weekend, Trump signaled openness to dialogue and a meeting.
    • Quote (Trump): “The mayor of New York would like to meet with us. We’ll work something out. He’ll come to Washington. We want to see everything work out well for New York.” (11:20)
  • O’Reilly notes the significance in tone, emphasizing the moderate shift.

• Policy on Venezuelan Dictator Maduro

  • The U.S. has positioned military assets as a show of force. Trump is now reportedly open to direct talks with Maduro, though O’Reilly predicts a hardline ultimatum in any such conversation.
    • “I think President Trump will say, look, time to get out, Nick. We’ll let you go where you want, but you’re not going to be there much longer. Go the hard way or the easy way.” (13:15)

• Epstein Files

  • Congress to vote on releasing Epstein data; 30-day delay possible at Attorney General’s discretion. Trump has reportedly shifted from opposing the release to not objecting, though O’Reilly warns his stance may flip again.
    • O’Reilly’s perspective: “President Trump knows exactly what the DOJ has. Exactly… There are a few references to him…but they’re not…embarrassing or bad.” (15:30)
    • O’Reilly reiterates his argument for vetting names to prevent unfair smears: “Why should your name be put in that poison ground?” (16:55)
    • Reference to debate with Chris Cuomo: “Cuomo said…I want to see it. And I said, well, that’s not right.” (17:22)

2. The Catholic Church & Immigration Policy: A Debate

Featuring Dylan Corbett, Hope Border Institute
(18:13–31:53)

• Catholic Bishops’ Statement

  • The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement expressing concern over immigrant vilification, detention conditions, and fear in immigrant communities.
    • Statement excerpt: “We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement…” (16:50)
  • O’Reilly, as a Catholic, accepts the Church’s compassion but insists Catholic doctrine still supports the rule of law, challenging the Church’s refusal to use the term “illegal immigrants.”

• Dylan Corbett Interview

  • Did Hope Border Institute object to Biden’s handling of the border?

    • Corbett: “I think there was the perception that not everything was as orderly as it could have been…we were certainly vocal about some real criticisms…” (18:13)
    • O’Reilly presses for public statements objecting to an “open border policy,” but finds none on record.

  • Trump’s Hardline Enforcement

    • O’Reilly: “Trump stopped it…Do you object to the way he did it?” (20:09)
    • Corbett’s concern: “He shredded our system of asylum and…receiving refugees…People who are fleeing wars, violence, poverty…” (20:28)
    • Disagreement over asylum law:
      • Corbett: “People do have the right under our federal law to apply for asylum even if they were to cross in between [ports of entry]…” (21:39)
      • O’Reilly: “They don’t have the right to apply for it on the ground. They have to go to a port of entry or…facility in their home country.” (21:57)

  • Responsibility to Support New Migrants

    • Corbett: U.S. must know who comes in, ensure border safety, and remove actual threats but also address long-established populations with practical solutions.
    • O’Reilly: Only about 0.5% of migrants are being detained; mass deportations are not occurring.

  • Criminal vs. Non-Criminal Deportations

    • O’Reilly: “Criminal aliens. Gone. And that includes DUIs, domestic…” (24:41)
    • Corbett: Data suggest two thirds of those detained do not have a criminal conviction. (25:23)
      • O’Reilly: “But one third with criminal interactions, that’s a hell of a lot of people in danger.” (25:48)

  • Catholic Doctrine, Language, and Policy

    • O’Reilly: Catholic Church refuses to use the word “undocumented,” portrays government as antagonist; he sees this as misguided.
    • Corbett: Bishops are reacting to real trauma in local communities; enforcement actions can be “brutal…school teachers…parents…ripped out of cars, children left behind.” (28:53)
    • O’Reilly: That’s not the rule, it’s an exception.

  • Role of Compassion

    • O’Reilly: “We have to be compassionate…The Catholic Church…portrays this as an issue where the government is the bad guy…” (28:09)
    • Corbett: “When we lead with compassion…when we welcome the stranger…we’ll be better off for it…it’s the American thing to do.” (31:11)

3. Public Opinion & Political Paralyzation (31:53–34:38)

• ICE Approval Poll (YouGov)
  • 39% approve of ICE’s job; 53% disapprove.
  • Disapproval by party: Democrats (85%), Independents (62%), Republicans (13%).
  • On ICE tactics: 52% say “too forceful;” 37% “about right/not forceful enough.”
    • O’Reilly’s interpretation: The issue is so ideologically charged that Congress is paralyzed, to the country’s detriment.

4. International and Miscellaneous Segments

• Britain’s Asylum Overhaul & BBC Scandal (34:38–36:55)

  • The UK, grappling with record asylum claims, plans to tighten its system.
  • BBC spliced Trump soundbites, falsely painting him as inciting violence on Jan. 6—now apologizes.
    • O’Reilly: “That’s not unintentional…grab from here, grab from there, splice together to make Trump look violent…” (34:38)
    • Trump vows a multi-billion dollar lawsuit.

• Mexico’s Fight Against Drug Cartels (36:55–37:50)

  • Public protests against cartels surge in Mexico City; O’Reilly lays partial blame on U.S. drug consumption:
    • “It’s our fault. Drug addicts running around causing mayhem and we just let it go.” (37:50)

5. Polls, Final Political Soundbites, and Closing Commentary

• Tariff Checks (37:50)

  • 71% of voters support direct payments, but passage unlikely due to congressional gridlock.

• Michelle Obama on Presidential Prospects (38:45)

  • Dismisses calls for her run, claims the country is not ready for a woman President.
    • “Don’t even look at me about running because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman.” (38:49)
  • O’Reilly’s take: “Kamala Harris is the worst candidate in the world…It’s a bad candidate.” (39:30)

• Ken Burns Revolutionary War Docuseries

  • O’Reilly finds it dull and recommends his own books instead: “Was almost like they tried to make it boring. $30 million budget…can’t even go back.” (39:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tariffs & Moderation:

  • O’Reilly: “If everybody thought the way that I did, meat prices would not be nearly as high. So that’s just me. I mean, that’s what I do.” (08:00)

• On Asylum Law:

  • O’Reilly: “You can’t just be caught in the desert… say to the ICE agent… I want asylum… That was the big thing they disregarded in the Biden administration…” (20:50)

• On Enforcement Raids:

  • Corbett: “We’re talking about moms being separated from families… school teachers have been ripped out of schools… their kids are left behind. Nobody wants to see that.” (28:53)

• On Compassion and Policy:

  • Corbett: “When we lead with compassion… when we welcome the stranger… we’ll be better off for it, because it’s the Christian thing to do, but it’s also the American thing to do.” (31:11)

• On U.S. Drug Demand:

  • O’Reilly: “It’s our fault. Drug addicts running around causing mayhem and we just let it go. No, I’m going to do more on that.” (37:50)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Trump’s Four Weekend Moderations: 03:30–17:00
• Catholic Bishops’ Statement & Policy Analysis: 17:00–18:13
• Dylan Corbett Interview (Hope Border Institute): 18:13–31:53
• ICE Polls & Political Impact: 31:53–34:38
• BBC Controversy & UK Asylum Policy: 34:38–36:55
• Mexico’s Cartel Protests: 36:55–37:50
• Tariff Checks & Political Gridlock: 37:50–38:45
• Michelle Obama’s Remarks: 38:45–39:30
• Final Comments on Ken Burns Documentary: 39:30–40:00

Tone and Style

Bill O’Reilly maintains his signature blunt, occasionally sardonic tone, oscillating between sharp critique, data-based argumentation, and moments of self-deprecating humor. The guest, Dylan Corbett, provides a calm, compassionate, data-driven counterpoint that is respectful but direct.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving positions of President Trump, fierce debates on border policy and the Church’s approach to migrants, and a critical look at how media and public attitudes shape and stymie immigration enforcement. Through spirited exchanges and pointed analysis, O’Reilly underscores the enduring divides—and urgent need for effective solutions—at the heart of U.S. politics and policy.