The O'Reilly Update, August 16, 2025

Summary

Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update – August 16, 2025

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Overview

This weekend edition of The O’Reilly Update features host Bill O’Reilly’s signature “no spin” approach to the week’s top news, political analysis, listener questions, and an historical note. Major topics include battling crime in Washington, D.C., Congressional antagonism, updates on food industry changes, the reality of geopolitics regarding Russia and Ukraine, Trump’s stance on Zelenskyy, and a “something you might not know” segment about The Wizard of Oz.

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News Highlights and Analysis

[00:40 – 03:36] Presented by Mike Slater

• Focus on Crime in Washington, D.C.

  • Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected the President’s attempt to extend emergency crime-fighting powers in D.C.:

    “No blanking way. We’ll fight him tooth and nail. And right now he can only do it for 30 days. He needs to get Congress to approve it and we are not going to approve it.” [00:54 – 01:06]

  • Schumer and some Republicans view the authorization as a “distraction” and link it to attempts to avoid political issues like Epstein and DOJ controversies.
  • Discussion of public perceptions about crime:
    • Citing a Washington Post poll where 91% of D.C. residents considered crime a serious issue, especially among Black and lower-income communities.

    “Black residents and lower income residents… are significantly more worried about crime than white residents and those with higher incomes.” [01:37 – 01:46]

    • Noted media inconsistency, as the same paper later published an article stating “the city is safe.” [01:49]

• Incident Reference: DOJ Employee Thrown Subway Sandwich

  • An intoxicated man (later revealed as a DOJ employee) threw a Subway sandwich at a federal agent and was subsequently arrested and fired.
  • Pam Bondi’s tough stance on protecting law enforcement.

• Food Industry Moves Away from Artificial Colors

  • Major brands like Skittles, M&M’s, Starburst, Extra, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Nestle announced plans to eliminate artificial coloring from their products [02:44 – 03:14].

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Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day

[04:03 – 05:55]

• On American Worldview & Geopolitical Realism

  • Critiques Americans for living in “insulated worlds,” ignoring international realities such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

  • Dismisses the possibility of humiliating or threatening Putin due to the nuclear risk:

    “Russia has nukes and might very well use them if its leader is ambushed. Very simple analysis here. Dictators with unlimited power inside their countries can wreak havoc on the world. Hello, Adolf, Joe, Stalin, Mao.” [04:27 – 04:44]

    • Emphasizes: “Humiliating Putin would lead to more bloodshed and madness. Hannibal Lecter didn’t have thermonuclear submarines. Vlad does.” [04:48 – 04:52]

  • Warns that millions live in a “fantasy-filled bubble” detached from reality:

    “Once a people lose touch with reality, crazy things flood the societal zone. A rational worldview is a bulwark against that. We all should have one.” [05:15 – 05:31]

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Q&A: Listener Mailbag

[05:58 – 07:55]

• Trump’s Problem with Zelenskyy

  • O’Reilly clarifies Trump’s criticism:

    “He says [Zelensky] botched the initial Russian incursion. I don’t believe that’s entirely fair. I think Putin would have done it anyway no matter what Zelenskyy did. But Zelenskyy has a tendency to be insolent. And when you’re dependent upon other countries… that’s what rankles Trump.” [06:08 – 06:29]

• Countries Supporting Russia

  • Besides North Korea, “India, China buys oil, Turkey plays games… nothing of note.” [06:36 – 06:44]

• Watching Trump

  • Advice on following Trump:

    “The way I deal with it is I watch what the president does, but I don't listen to him unless it's actual news. And that works for me.” [07:05 – 07:11]

• Listener Experience

  • A cancer patient struggles with the bureaucratic health system; O’Reilly pledges assistance.

• January 6, 2021 National Guard Response

  • O’Reilly declines further comment, noting extensive prior coverage available to concierge members.

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Something You Might Not Know – The Wizard of Oz

[08:29 – 10:15]

• Historical Insights
  • The Wizard of Oz premiered in rural Wisconsin on August 12, 1939.
  • Author L. Frank Baum drew on personal tragedy and nightmares for the book’s characters.
    • “He frequently had nightmares of menacing scarecrows and man-eating lions.” [09:14 – 09:16]
    • The character Dorothy was inspired by his niece who died as an infant.
  • MGM selected a small town for the premiere to assess children’s reactions—success led to subsequent major premieres.
  • O’Reilly reflects on the film’s legacy and Baum’s literary place in history.

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Notable Moments & Quotes

• Chuck Schumer’s Rejection of Crime Authorization [00:54 – 01:06]

  “No blanking way. We’ll fight him tooth and nail. And right now he can only do it for 30 days. He needs to get Congress to approve it and we are not going to approve it.”

• O’Reilly on U.S. Understanding of Geopolitics [04:27 – 04:52]

  “Russia has nukes and might very well use them if its leader is ambushed… Humiliating Putin would lead to more bloodshed and madness. Hannibal Lecter didn't have thermonuclear submarines. Vlad does.”

• Message on Rational Worldview [05:15 – 05:31]

  “Once a people lose touch with reality, crazy things flood the societal zone. A rational worldview is a bulwark against that. We all should have one.”

• On Trump’s View of Zelenskyy [06:08 – 06:29]

  “Zelenskyy has a tendency to be insolent. And when you’re dependent upon other countries for your existence, that’s what rankles Trump.”

• Listener Advice for Understanding Trump [07:05 – 07:11]

  “I watch what the president does, but I don’t listen to him unless it’s actual news.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:40] – News coverage with Mike Slater
• [01:16] – Discussion on D.C. crime and poll statistics
• [02:44] – Candy companies announce removal of artificial colors
• [04:03] – Bill O’Reilly’s message of the day: Geopolitics and worldview
• [05:58] – Listener mailbag: Trump and Zelenskyy, Russia’s allies
• [08:29] – “Something You Might Not Know”: The Wizard of Oz history

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains Bill O’Reilly’s characteristic directness, skepticism toward partisan narratives, and focus on rational analysis. Humor and cultural references are interwoven, especially in the “something you might not know” segment. The tone is conversational but pointed, particularly regarding political dynamics and media coverage.

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Summary

For listeners, this edition offers a mix of hard news, commentary on pressing issues like crime and international affairs, insider responses to listener questions, and cultural insight—delivered with O’Reilly’s signature blend of skepticism and facts, challenging listeners to cultivate and maintain a rational worldview.

Transcript

[A]

Mmm. Ooh, whatcha eating?

[B]

The new banana split cookie from AM pm. All freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[A]

Ah, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[B]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[A]

Not even a little.

[B]

Not even a crumb.

[A]

What if.

[B]

No, please. Mine when it's too legit to split. That's cravenience. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app ampm. Too much good stuff plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary in terms of conditions apply.

[C]

Foreign.

[D]

Here you are listening to the weekend edition of the O'Reilly update. Coming up next, the news with Mike Slater.

[E]

Thanks, Bill. Here's what's happening this week in America. Schumer swears D.C. residents admit man throw sandwich and Eminem's go Maha. It's all coming up. Then Bill is going to be here with your message of the day. But first, Chuck Schumer was asked if the Democrats will join the president and continue his authorization to fight crime in D.C. section 740, the emergency authorization of the D.C. home Rule act, is only allowed for 30 days and then Congress has to extend it. Chuck Schumer responded, no blanking way. We'll fight him tooth and nail. And right now he can only do it for 30 days. He needs to get Congress to approve it and we are not going to approve it. But there are some Republicans who don't like it either. This is again, just a distraction. He's afraid of Epstein. He's afraid of all that. And we're not going to give up on Epstein. Total losers. Of course, they had all the Epstein information for the last four years. The president said fighting crime is a good thing and we have to explain we're going to fight crime. Already they're saying he's a dictator. This place is going to hell. We've got to stop it. So instead of saying he's a dictator, they should say we're going to join him and make Washington safe. We're going to be essentially crime free. This is going to be a beacon and it's going to also serve as an example of what can be done. A poll from the far left Washington Post three months ago asked people in D.C. if crime was a problem. Only 7% said it was not a problem or not that serious of a problem. But 91% said crime was either extremely or very serious or moderately serious. And the Post even three months ago admitted that it was black residents and lower income residents who are significantly more worried about crime than white residents. And those with higher incomes. Today, the same Washington Post ran an article saying that, quote, the city is safe. A video came out the other day of a man, presumably intoxicated, screaming at federal law enforcement. Blank, you fascist. It was at 11 o' clock at night. And then he threw a Subway sandwich at one of the agents from just a couple feet away. The Border Patrol then tackled him. This was in D.C. they tackled him and arrested him. Pam Bondi said, if you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you. But here's the kicker, she said, I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice. No longer. Not only is he fired, he's been charged with a felony. This is an example of the deep state that we've been up against for seven months as we work to refocus the DOJ. A Maha win. Starting next year, Skittles, M&MS. Starburst and Extra gum will be available free of artificial colors. In June, Kraft Heinz and General Mills announced similar plans. Also PepsiCo, ConAgra, the Hershey Company, McCormick & Company, J.M. smucker, Nestle and more have announced ridding their food of artificial coloring. I'm Mike Slater from the podcast Politics by faith. Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next.

[F]

I'm Piers Morgan, the host of the Piers Morgan Uncensored podcast. We do big interviews and, and we do big debates about whatever's getting people talking. We make news, we make noise, and we make a little bit of trouble, too. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, you can listen to Piers Morgan Uncensored on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

[D]

Time now for the O'Reilly update. Message of the day. How's your worldview doing? Chances are you don't know because we insulated Americans are generally locked into our own world. Pakistan and Argentina far away. Not very important. My mail on the Putin Trump meeting.

[G]

To stop the madness in Ukraine is instructed.

[D]

Some folks think bad Vlad can actually be arrested in Anchorage or threatened or humiliated like Zelensky was in a press conference. One word, no. Russia has nukes and might very well use them if its leader is ambushed. Very simple analysis here. Dictators with unlimited power inside their countries can wreak havoc on the world. Hello, Adolf, Joe, Stalin, Mao. Humiliating Putin would lead to more bloodshed and madness. Hannibal Lecter didn't have thermonuclear submarines. Vlad does. Same violent disposition, different circumstances. So why doesn't everyone know this? Not hard to understand. Unless you live in a fantasy filled bubble, which millions of people on this earth do. And that is very dangerous, especially in a free society. Once a people lose touch with reality, crazy things flood the societal zone. A rational worldview is a bulwark against that. We all should have one. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You can reach me billorilly.com, billorilly.com, name.

[G]

In town if you wish to opine.

[D]

Now, let's go to the mail.

[G]

John Abercrombie, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

[D]

What is Trump's problem with Zelenskyy?

[G]

I just read another comment by Trump that he's not happy with him and he feels that the war should never happen. He's blaming Zelensky for the war. I don't know if he's blaming him, but he says he botched the initial Russian incursion. I don't believe that's entirely fair. I think Putin would have done it anyway no matter what Zelenskyy did. But Zelenskyy has a tendency to be insolent. And when you're dependent upon other countries for your existence, that's what rankles Trump. Captain Ron Melo, Fernandina Beach, Florida the negotiations with Putin, what other countries are backing? Russia, North Korea. That's all. India, China buys oil, Putin's oil, Turkey plays games. A few smaller countries, but nothing of note. Doug, concierge, remember, Doug gets direct access to me. Bombass and Trump are one thing.

[D]

No way around it.

[G]

The way I deal with it is I watch what the president does, but I don't listen to him unless it's actual news. And that works for me. Okay. You know, Donald Trump likes to shake it up. Donna, concierge member. Had a concierge member come to me today. Interesting story.

[D]

She really needs help.

[G]

She has breast cancer and she's getting slammed by the system that doesn't care about her. We're going to help her. I can do it. And I'm going to Donna. Too bad the National Guard were not called. Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021. We don't speak of that, Don. I have done so much analysis of that I can't possibly do anymore. And as a concierge member, you can get transcripts of all of it in a moment.

[D]

Something you might not know.

[H]

This is one of the most spectacular venues with all kinds of character and hospitality scenery. These people in this Kittitas Valley, they love when you come to see what they have to offer.

[C]

I'm J.J. harris, an Ellensburg rodeo clown and I want to invite you to the rodeo. Come hang out with us in Ellensburg. Great rodeo. Great time. Two performances on Saturday. One is the Extreme Bulls of the Year event. Do not miss the Ellensburg Rodeo August 29th through September 1st. We'll see you there.

[D]

Now the O'Reilly update brings you something you might not know. 86 years ago, one of the most successful films of all time debuted in Wisconsin. The movie featured a teenage girl, a Tin Man, Cowardly lion, scarecrow and a three year old Scottish terrier named Toto. Here's the story behind the wizard of Oz. The original book was published in the year 1900. Author L. Frank Baum thought the story would sell a few thousand copies. It quickly became the best selling children's book history. The characters are drawn from Baum's own childhood. He frequently had nightmares of menacing scarecrows.

[G]

And man eating lions.

[D]

In addition, the author's niece Dorothy became ill and died from congestion of the brain before her first birthday. Baum compiled his personal trauma into the story. He settled on the name Oz as a reference to the newly formed nation of Australia. By the 1930s, 2 million copies of his book were sold in the USA alone. Executives at MGM then bought the rights to the wizard after watching Walt Disney's Snow White. The film starring Judy Garland premiered August 12, 1939 at the Strand Theater in rural Wisconsin. It is regarded as one of the finest movies ever made. It's ranked as one of the top five features of all time alongside Citizen Kane and Casablanca. And here's something else you might not know. MGM selected the small town near Milwaukee for the premiere to gauge the audience's reaction. Executives stood in the back of the theater to see if certain scenes, including the infamous flying monkeys and wicked witch, were too scary for children. But the crowd loved the wizard of Oz and knowing they had a hit, the film had a second premiere in Hollywood and Times Square, New York, three days later. It is now run on television all the time as the residuals pour in. L. Frank Baum did not have another follow up to the wizard, but he will go down in history nonetheless. Back after this. That is the Weekend edition of the O'Reilly Update. I am Bill O'Reilly. For more news and honest analysis, please go to billoreilly.com no spin, just facts. And always looking out for you.