O’Reilly Update Morning Edition – June 9, 2026
Host: Bill O’Reilly
Main Theme: Media Coverage of Trump at Knicks Game & The Press/President Dynamic
Episode Overview
Bill O’Reilly’s morning update delves into the media’s ongoing fascination with former President Donald Trump, focusing specifically on the coverage of Trump’s attendance at a recent New York Knicks versus San Antonio Spurs basketball game. Through anecdotes and analysis, O’Reilly explores the media's treatment of political figures and reflects on the broader battle between Trump and the press.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Trump Knicks Game Story
- Headline Event: Donald Trump attended the Knicks versus Spurs game at Madison Square Garden, and the media was quick to pounce on the story.
- Personal Anecdote: O’Reilly reminisces about a Knicks game where Trump confided in him about his intent to run for the presidency.
- Quote (Bill O’Reilly, 00:44):
“It was at a Knick game when Donald Trump told me that he was going to run for president. I replied, of what country? Always the wise guy.”
- Media Obsession: O’Reilly points out that this is not an isolated case — the press frequently zeroes in on Trump’s public appearances, often blowing minor moments into major stories.
2. Contrast with Biden
- O’Reilly contrasts the current and former presidents:
- If President Biden attended such an event, O’Reilly suggests the media “wouldn’t care.”
- He offers personal speculation about the Bidens’ public behavior:
“Old Joe rarely did social things because Jill wouldn’t let him. That was a really good story. Left untold.” [00:58]
3. Public Reaction at the Game
- Mixed Reception: Trump received both boos and cheers at the game, which O’Reilly interprets as typical for New York audiences.
- He provides social and demographic context for Knicks versus Yankees fans:
“The Knicks draw a different crowd than the Yanks, more affluent and liberal.” [01:33]
- Media Spin: The negative reception is already being amplified by the press, according to O’Reilly, turning a routine public appearance into “another press driven spectacle.”
4. Cheering Trump at Other Events
- O’Reilly recalls attending a 9/11 memorial event at Yankee Stadium where Trump was cheered, highlighting the differing nature of New York City crowds.
- Quote (Bill O’Reilly, 01:26):
“Last September, there was cheering at the 911 event at Yankee Stadium. I was there.”
5. Media’s Trump Obsession and Its Consequences
- O’Reilly asserts that the media’s relentless coverage of Trump will persist “until he leaves office.”
- Press Damage: He warns that the press has undermined its own credibility through this obsession:
- “The damage the press has done to itself will vividly remain.” [01:47]
6. Ongoing Media/President Battle
- O’Reilly describes a “war” between the president and the media, positing that Trump is currently winning:
- Quote (Bill O’Reilly, 01:53):
“If you watch my broadcast... there is an actual war between the president of the United States and the American media. And at this point, Donald Trump is winning that war.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Trump Telling O’Reilly He’d Run for President:
“It was at a Knick game when Donald Trump told me that he was going to run for president. I replied, of what country? Always the wise guy.” (Bill O’Reilly, 00:44)
-
On Biden's Absence from Social Events:
“Old Joe rarely did social things because Jill wouldn’t let him. That was a really good story. Left untold.” (Bill O’Reilly, 00:58)
-
On Different NYC Sports Crowds:
“The Knicks draw a different crowd than the Yanks, more affluent and liberal.” (Bill O’Reilly, 01:33)
-
On the War Between Press and President:
“There is an actual war between the president of the United States and the American media. And at this point, Donald Trump is winning that war.” (Bill O’Reilly, 01:53)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:31 – O’Reilly kicks off the main segment: media's obsession with Trump attending Knicks game.
- 00:44 – Personal anecdote about Trump announcing presidential ambitions at a Knicks game.
- 01:08 – Remarks on the Knicks’ audience and nature of event reception.
- 01:26 – Reference to crowd reception at Yankee Stadium’s 9/11 event.
- 01:47 – Analysis of the media’s self-inflicted damage.
- 01:53 – Declaration of the ongoing war between Trump and the media.
Summary Takeaway
In this concise morning edition, Bill O’Reilly scrutinizes the disproportionate media attention given to Donald Trump’s attendance at a basketball game, framing it as symptomatic of a broader, ongoing struggle between Trump and the national press. Using personal stories and his signature sardonic tone, O’Reilly suggests that the press is more focused on narratives than substance, to its own detriment—and argues that, as of now, Trump is outmaneuvering the media in this highly publicized battle.
