Podcast Summary: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: The O'Reilly Update, December 26, 2025

Host: Bill O'Reilly (with Mike Slater filling in)

Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

This episode, guest-hosted by Mike Slater, delivers a mix of current events and reflective commentary around Christmas, American history, and the importance of faith and perseverance. Key topics include President Trump’s Christmas message and international actions, Southern California flooding, a unique light display at the Washington Monument for America's 250th anniversary, commentary on the film "It's a Wonderful Life," an inspiring retelling of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware, and a segment on the value of faith-guided labor inspired by a remarkable 19th-century painting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump's Christmas Message and U.S. Military Strike

Timestamp: 00:09 – 01:59

• Trump's Message: President Trump delivered his traditional Christmas message, this time pointedly including "the radical left scum" he accuses of trying to destroy the country but “are failing badly.”

• Military Action: Trump announced via tweet a "powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria," specifically citing attacks on Christians:

  “At my discretion as commander in chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing primarily innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years and even centuries.” — Mike Slater quoting Trump, (00:32)

  He promised further consequences if the slaughter continued, stating “there will be many more [dead terrorists] if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

2. Southern California Flooding

Timestamp: 01:59 – 02:30

• Severe rainfall led to fatalities and evacuations; California Governor Newsom declared states of emergency in multiple counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego.

• Over 120 first responders are assisting residents:

  “About 120 first responders are assisting local residents…which is a nice reminder to thank all of our emergency personnel and everyone who worked over Christmas and Christmas Eve. Thank you for keeping us safe.” — Mike Slater, (02:24)

3. Washington Monument Illumination — Upcoming 250th Anniversary Celebrations

Timestamp: 02:30 – 02:57

• From New Year’s night and for six days, the Washington Monument will feature visual projections of key moments in U.S. history.

  “It's free if you're in the area. Projections begin at 7 o'clock every night…highlighting key moments in American history, from discovery and independence to unity and future innovation.” — Mike Slater, (02:39)

4. "It's a Wonderful Life" — Discussion on Censorship

Timestamp: 02:57 – 03:03

• Mike Slater relays criticism of Amazon for streaming a version of "It's a Wonderful Life" that excludes the pivotal "Pottersville" sequence:

  “Amazon is being criticized, rightfully so, for having a version that removes the entire Pottersville scene...You know the point of the movie, it just removes the whole 22 minutes.” — Mike Slater, (02:57)

• Recommendation: Only watch the full 131-minute version.

5. Message of the Day — The Heroism of Washington’s Crossing

Timestamp: 04:10 – 08:13

• Personal Story: Mike’s three-year-old, inspired by wearing a George Washington costume, sparked a family reflection on the Battle of Trenton, which took place 249 years ago on Christmas night.

• Historical context: The crossing was perilous—freezing, with a nor'easter blowing, and ill-equipped Continental soldiers:

  “Our men were starving. It was freezing cold. It was in the 20s. There was a nor'. Easter. The wind cut like a knife. Many of the men had no shoes...” — Mike Slater, (05:20)

• Significance: The battle's outcome was far from certain, with aborted crossings, a delayed timetable, and daunting odds. Yet, Washington pressed on:

  “George Washington decided, in his words, to push on. At all events, and thank God they did.” — Mike Slater, (06:31)

• Results of Battle: 22 enemy killed, 98 wounded, 1,000 prisoners captured; only three Americans lost.

• Connection to Christmas: Stress on appreciating modern comforts by remembering past sacrifices.

• Thomas Paine’s famous words (quoted):

  “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of men and women.” — Quoted by Mike Slater, (07:44)

6. “Something You Might Not Know” — The Meaning of Labor in the Son of Grace

Timestamp: 08:42 – 11:24

• Art Discovery: Mike Slater shares his awe for an 1884 painting, “The Meaning of Labor in the Son of Grace,” describing it as perhaps the most stunning work after Michelangelo’s Pietà.

• Description:

  “It's above a door, curved as it gets to the ceiling...background painted black and white. There’s two figures in color, one with a shovel, and an angel...angel's wings somehow popping out of the wall...” — Mike Slater, (08:57)

• Interpretation: The painting’s message is that labor without divine guidance is empty:

  “The point is that this man's work digging in the dirt, it's futile if it's not guided by our Creator. Just like the soul can only be saved by the Creator.” — Mike Slater, (10:11)

• Historical Footnote: Cites Benjamin Franklin referencing Psalm 126 at the Constitutional Convention, tying personal and national success to faith and grace.

• Notable Quote:

  “With the grace of God and the effort of will we obtain the excellence of virtue.” — Mike Slater quoting the Latin inscription, (10:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s approach to Christmas:

  "Merry Christmas to all, including this year, the radical left scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our country but are failing badly."
  — Mike Slater quoting Trump, (00:20)

• On the hardships at Trenton:

  "The men who were there wrote that the wind cut like a knife, driving snow and sleet. Many of the men had no shoes..."
  — Mike Slater, (05:19)

• On history’s uncertain victories:

  "Of course it worked out. No, some of the most pivotal...moments in our history could have gone in any direction at any time."
  — Mike Slater, (04:47)

• On the angel in the painting:

  "The angel is pointing to the sun and making the point that without the sun, the laborer's work is in vain. Just as sunlight brings about the material works of man, like, no food's going to grow without the sun, grace allows the works of the spirit to shine."
  — Mike Slater, (09:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump's Christmas Message & Military Strike – 00:09–02:00
• Southern California Flooding – 02:00–02:30
• Washington Monument 250th Anniversary Light Show – 02:30–02:57
• “It’s a Wonderful Life” Abridgement Controversy – 02:57–03:03
• Message of the Day: Washington Crosses the Delaware – 04:10–08:13
• Art & Faith: The Meaning of Labor in the Son of Grace – 08:42–11:24

Final Notes

• The episode emphasizes gratitude—for military service, first responders, and the perseverance of historical American figures.
• Mike Slater brings a reflective, slightly reverent tone as he ties together themes of hardship, faith, virtue, and the unseen hand of God in history.
• Key arguments revolve around American resilience, the foundational role of faith, and the need to honor both with memory and thanks.