The O'Reilly Update, December 11, 2025

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: The O'Reilly Update, December 11, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode delivers O’Reilly’s signature “no spin, just facts” analysis of current events, focusing on major news stories (including U.S. military activity in Venezuela, Federal Reserve interest rates, worker wages, and crime in NYC), alongside listener questions, economic analysis, and a historical segment on Alcoholics Anonymous. As always, O’Reilly closes with a pointed commentary on immigration policy.

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Key News Highlights (hosted by Mike Slater)

[00:39–03:27]

• US Forces Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker:

  • U.S. military intercepted and seized an oil tanker off Venezuela, allegedly headed to Cuba under a false flag.
  • The president stated Maduro’s days were “numbered,” highlighting ongoing U.S. pressure on Venezuelan leadership.
  • Over 20 strikes against drug trafficking vessels in the region have resulted in more than 80 deaths of those described as “terrorists.”
  • Quote: “The President said that the US could strike on land and that Maduro's days are numbered.” (02:10)
  • Seizure coincided with the leader of Venezuela’s opposition winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

• Federal Reserve Rate Cuts:

  • Fed cut interest rates for the third time in 2025.
  • Jerome Powell (Fed chair) expressed a cautious outlook on further rate cuts.
  • Trump’s pick is set to replace Powell, expected to steer policy differently.
  • Quote: “We're well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves.” (02:46)

• Wage Growth and Inflation:

  • Private sector compensation up 3.5% year-on-year; inflation rose 3%, netting a modest real gain of 0.5%.
  • Significant regional disparities—Miami saw wage growth of 5.7% vs. 2.2% in D.C.
  • Compared with Biden-era economic trends: “Even if wages were growing at any point, inflation hit over 9% eating any wage growth that ever took place.” (03:12)

• NYC Homicide-Free Streak:

  • New York tied its record for most days without a homicide (12 days); ended by a fatal shooting in the Bronx.

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O'Reilly's Message of the Day: Immigration Reality Check

[04:36–07:12]

• “ICE Raid Dissenters” & Immigration Enforcement:
  • O'Reilly sharply criticizes those opposing strict immigration enforcement, especially liberal Americans who voted for Biden and Kamala Harris.
  • Accuses the left of dishonesty:
    • Quote: “I wish the left was honest about that instead of insulting the collective intelligence by spouting nonsense like ‘oh, we want criminal aliens out of the country, not peaceful migrants.’ Well, that's impossible unless each unlawful entry case is adjudicated in court.” (04:56)
  • Argues ICE agents cannot sort migrants in the field and that all undocumented entries violate US sovereignty.
  • Emphasizes that compassion does not override the need for border security:
    • Quote: “The truth is that many Americans put virtue signaling above public safety.” (05:24)
  • Blames President Biden’s policies for a surge in violent criminals, reiterates support for Homeland Security.
  • Summary Statement: “Homeland Security is now trying to mitigate that damage. Those agents deserve our support.” (06:00)

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Listener Mailbag & Economic Analysis

[07:12–08:36]

• Bills and Tariffs:

  • Listener question suggests removing tariffs on beef and coffee, and increasing U.S. herd sizes.
  • O’Reilly responds bluntly:
    • Quote: “He could say anything he wants, but the ranchers are going to do what the ranchers do. Government can't force that.” (07:22)
  • O’Reilly favors lowering tariffs on certain food items.

• Presidential Economic Records:

  • Listener points out economy wasn't strong post-Covid under Biden; O’Reilly counters:
    • Quote: “The massive amount, $2 trillion, of government money propped up the U.S. economy during and shortly after Covid. That's what kept the economy up. It wasn't capitalism or the free marketplace.” (08:08)
  • When subsidies ended, economic problems emerged.

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“Something You Might Not Know”: The Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous

[08:36–12:19]

• Bill Wilson’s Sobriety & AA’s Origins:
  • On Dec. 11, 1934, Bill Wilson, an alcoholic stockbroker, took his last drink, eventually founding Alcoholics Anonymous with Dr. Bob Smith.
  • Method: Peer support via a sponsor system and meetings; free to join.
  • Impact:
    • Over 2 million members worldwide.
    • AA hailed as a top public health success.
  • Alcohol’s Societal Role:
    • Generates $250B/year in U.S.
    • Leads to $300B/year in costs—lost productivity, incarceration, death, hospitalization.
    • 50% of on-the-job accidents alcohol-related.
  • Teen Alcohol Use Declining:
    • Just 15% of high school seniors reported being drunk in the last month (down from 40% two decades prior).
    • O’Reilly’s explanation:
      • Quote: “Well, it's because of marijuana. While teens are drinking less, the percentage of young people consuming pot on a daily basis up double digits.” (12:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Immigration Enforcement:

  • “ICE agents in the field can't possibly sort things out on the spot, can they? Every intelligent person knows that.” — Bill O’Reilly [05:02]

• On Compassion vs. Public Safety:

  • “The truth is that many Americans put virtue signaling above public safety.” — Bill O’Reilly [05:24]

• On Economic Recovery After Covid:

  • “It wasn't capitalism or the free marketplace. And once those subsidies declined, problems in River City.” — Bill O’Reilly [08:25]

• On Decline in Teen Drinking:

  • “Teenage drinking is actually on the decline... Well, it's because of marijuana.” — Bill O’Reilly [12:16]

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Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Major News (tanker, Fed, wages, NYC crime) | 00:39–03:27 | | O’Reilly’s Message: Immigration | 04:36–07:12 | | Listener Mail & Economy | 07:12–08:36 | | Something You Might Not Know (AA) | 08:36–12:19 |

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Final Takeaways

• The episode merges global and local news with unfiltered opinion, tackling U.S. foreign policy actions, the latest economic data, and persistent domestic issues like border security and inflation.
• O’Reilly remains fiercely critical of liberal policies, particularly on immigration and economic stimulus, and advocates for “honest” debate and prioritization of public safety.
• Historical reflection on the anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous adds depth, with an unexpected twist linking the decline in teen alcohol abuse to rising marijuana use.

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For more in-depth analysis or to submit questions:
Visit billoreilly.com.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Bill O'Reilly here. You are listening to the O'Reilly Update. Coming up next, the news with Mike Slater.

[C]

Thank you, Bill. It is Thursday, December 11, 2025. Here's what's happening today in America. Tanker seized, rates cut, wages up and records broken in New York City. That's all coming up. Then Bill's going to be here with your message of the day. But first, US Forces have intercepted and seized a oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The video has been declassified. The seizure will make it harder for Venezuela to export its oil. Most Venezuelan oil goes to China, but the president said this one was headed to Cuba. The Department of War has conducted more than 20 strikes against drug trafficking vessels in the waters near Venezuela and Colombia, killing more than 80 terrorists. The President said that the US could strike on land and that Maduro's days are numbered. The president said the tanker was seized for a very good reason. Asked what would happen to the ship's cargo of oil, he replied, well, we keep it, I guess. Another official told the New York Times that the oil tanker is named Skipper and was carrying a false flag of nationality at the time it was seized. The seizure took place the same day that the leader of the Venezuelan opposition to Maduro was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the third time this year. The head of the Fed with a bit more cautious about more rate cuts coming. He said, we're well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves. But don't worry if you want the rates to continue to be cut. Jerome Pals days are numbered. Trump's guy's gonna take over in May and he has a bit of a different vision. Three of the 12 voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee dissented on the quarter rate cut. But the president of the New York Fed said he still saw room for further adjustment in the near term. And the president of the San Francisco Fed said she sees a further adjustment in the near term as well. In other economic news, total compensation for private sector workers rose 3.5% in the 12 months ending in September and inflation increased 3% over that same period, which means workers have a real purchasing power gain of.05%. This varies by region. Workers in Miami area saw a 5.7% increase in wages and in D.C. just 2.2% compensation growth that's the slowest among major cities in America. Maybe 0.5%. Doesn't sound like much, but under the Biden administration, even if wages were growing at any point, inflation hit over 9% eating any wage growth that ever took place. New York City has tied its record for longest period of time without a homicide. Very impressive, right? They tied the record from 2015. It was ultimately broken because a 38 year old man was shot and killed in a stairwell at a city run apartment in the Bronx. How many days do you think the record was without a homicide? How many days?

[B]

12.

[C]

I'm Mike Slater. Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next.

[B]

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Time now for the O'Reilly update message of the day on this Thursday. One thing all the ICE Raid dissenters have in common is that they don't really want immigration law enforced. Most liberal Americans supported Joe Biden's open border policy and then voted for Kamala Harris, who would, had she been elected, have continued the madness. Now, I wish the left was honest about that instead of insulting the collective intelligence by spouting nonsense like, oh, we want criminal aliens out of the country, not peaceful migrants. Well, that's impossible unless each unlawful entry case is adjudicated in court. ICE agents in the field can't possibly sort things out on the spot, can they? Every intelligent person knows that. The truth is that many Americans put virtue signaling above public safety. It's easy to sympathize with poor immigrants who come to America for a better life. My ancestors did that in 1868. Compassionate people do not want to hurt the defenseless. However, because of President Biden's gross dereliction of duty, thousands of violent criminals surged into this country along with the peaceful migrants. But all the undocumented violated U.S. sovereignty. Homeland Security is now trying to mitigate that damage. Those agents deserve our Support. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You you can reach me billoriley.com, billoriley.com, name in town if you wish to opine the mail. Ron Van Voris, Westfield, Indiana Hey Bill, thanks for your analysis. November was the first month this year we were under budget for food. However, our car homo's insurance have increased as well as energy utilities even more than you stated. It goes from state to state, from city to city. But I feel your pain on that. Douglas Concierge Member one of the great gifts of the year concierge membership on billorolly.com any problem you have, we will help you. Love the segment on the economy.

Donald Trump should remove tariffs on coffee beef and import more beef from Brazil. Should also tell American ranchers they need to increase the size of their herds. He could say anything he wants, but the ranchers are going to do what the ranchers do.

Government can't force that. But I agree that tariffs on some of the food items, they can be lessened. Stephen, President Trump says he inherited a bad economy.

Biden didn't inherit a rosy economy after Covid either. When Biden left office, the economy was doing okay. For Trump to claim that he inherited a mess is a bit of exaggeration. Not really because the Biden economy was based on government subsidies. Now, I understand, Stephen, why you're saying that you want to be fair. But the massive amount, $2 trillion.

Of government money propped up the U.S. economy during and shortly after Covid. That's what kept the economy up. It wasn't capitalism of the free marketplace. And once those subsidies declined.

Problems in River City. But it was a good question. You asked in a moment something you might not know.

Let's face it, the US Economy is under stress. National debt rising, trade war shaking the markets. And meanwhile, China is dumping the dollar and stockpiling gold. That's why I protected my savings with physical gold and silver. Theroux, the only dealer I trust, American Hartford Gold. And you can do this, get precious metals delivered to your door or place in a tax advantage. Gold, Iraq. They'll even help you roll over your existing IRA or 401k tax and penalty free with billions in precious metals. Delivered thousands of five star reviews and an A from the Better Business Bureau. You can trust American Hartford Gold as I do. Please call 866-326-5576 or text Bill to 998-899. Again, that's 866-326-5576, or text Bill to 998-899. Now the O'Reilly update brings you something you might not know. On this day in 1934, a man named Bill Wilson, an alcoholic stockbroker from Vermont, took his last sip of booze. The decision not only changed his fate, but would save the lives of millions of people all around the world. Wilson soon founded an organization to help those afflicted with addiction. The organization was called Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is the story. One year into sobriety, Bill Wilson was traveling through Ohio feeling the urge to drink. He used a phone book to find a local church. That led him to Dr. Bob Smith, a former alcoholic himself. They developed an approach to treating substance abuse that would rely on help from fellow addicts. The organization was called Alcoholics Anonymous. It remains one of the most successful public health initiatives in US History. The method is simple. Each substance abuser is paired with a sponsor. The two rely on each other to promote sobriety while attending weekly, sometimes daily meetings. The program is free. Today, there are 2 million active members worldwide in Alcoholics Anonymous. Despite all the carnage, alcohol remains one of the biggest industries in America, generating more than $250 billion every year. All this booze has major consequences. Inebriation causes, $300 billion in lost productivity, incarceration, premature death, hospitalization, rehabilitation. The U.S. department of labor reports 50% of all on the job accidents are alcohol related. And here's something else you might not know. Today, teenage drinking is actually on the decline. Just 15% of high school seniors admit to have been drunk in the last month. That number was 40% two decades ago. So why are young people backing away from alcohol? Well, it's because of marijuana. While teens are drinking less, the percentage of young people consuming pot on a daily basis up double digits. Back in a moment.

[D]

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[B]

Thank you for listening to the O'Reilly update. I am Bill O'Reilly. No spin, just facts. And always looking out for you.