Podcast Summary: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: O'Reilly Update Morning Edition, February 9, 2026
Host: Bill O’Reilly
Date: February 9, 2026
Episode Overview
In this brisk Morning Edition, Bill O’Reilly scrutinizes the Associated Press (AP), alleging that the influential news agency systematically slants its coverage against the Trump administration. O’Reilly specifically points to the AP’s reporting of a recent incident involving Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon, and uses this as a springboard to critique the AP’s broader editorial approach.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Influence and Practices of the Associated Press
- Global Reach of the AP:
- O’Reilly opens by highlighting the AP’s extensive influence in global news distribution, noting that “the Worldwide News agency sends thousands of stories to newspapers around the world, most of which print them with little scrutiny.” (00:08)
- AP’s Editorial Philosophy:
- According to O’Reilly, the AP claims to “play it straight, seeking facts, rejecting spin,” but he asserts this is “not true.” He charges that the AP’s real aim is “to make the Trump administration look bad, not by directly attacking the president, but by story selection and deep skepticism.” (00:19)
Alleged Bias Against the Trump Administration
- Details of the Portland Incident
- O’Reilly describes a recent event where Border Patrol agents shot two criminal suspects in Portland, who were, according to the government, “suspected of a local shooting and are members of a violent Venezuelan gang. That is true.” (00:41)
- AP’s Reporting vs. Official Statements
- He condemns the Associated Press for refusing “to accept reality,” highlighting a quote from the AP story:
“Evidence has been cast on the administration’s characterization of what prompted the shootings.” (00:56)
- O’Reilly views this as a deliberate move to “undermine the Trump administration.”
History of Tensions Between AP and the White House
- White House Access Revoked
- O’Reilly briefly recalls, “the AP was kicked out of the White House last year for slanting its coverage. They sued, but so far, the AP still looking through the window.” (00:33)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On AP’s Claims of Objectivity:
“AP executives will tell you they play it straight, seeking facts, rejecting spin. That is not true.”
— Bill O’Reilly (00:18)
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On the Power of Story Selection:
“The reality is the Associated Press wants to make the Trump administration look bad, not by directly attacking the president, but by story selection and deep skepticism.”
— Bill O’Reilly (00:21)
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On the AP’s Handling of the Portland Shooting:
“The AP would not accept reality and sent out a hard news report that said, quote, evidence has been cast on the administration's characterization of what prompted the shootings.”
— Bill O’Reilly (00:55)
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On Media Accountability:
“Clearly, the Associated Press sought to undermine the Trump administration in this case, and that is shameful.”
— Bill O’Reilly (01:05)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:03: Introduction—AP’s influence and editorial approach
- 00:33: AP’s removal from White House press pool
- 00:41: Details of the Portland, Oregon incident
- 00:55: AP’s response and “undermining”
- 01:05: O’Reilly’s closing condemnation
Episode Tone and Language
Bill O’Reilly maintains a direct, critical, and assertive tone throughout, focusing on perceived media bias, the importance of factual reporting, and vigilance against spin. He uses strong language—“shameful,” “would not accept reality,” “undermine”—to convey his concern over the AP’s editorial practices.
