The O'Reilly Update, December 3, 2025

Summary

Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: The O'Reilly Update, December 3, 2025

Host: Bill O'Reilly
News Anchor: Mike Slater
Air Date: December 3, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers a multifaceted update on current American political news and social issues. It starts with election results and charitable giving, offers controversial commentary on immigrants, addresses military media relations, and concludes with Bill O’Reilly’s signature commentary and listener mail. A light segment on American Christmas villages rounds out the episode. The tone, as always, is unapologetically direct and “no spin.”

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Special Election Recap

[00:09–01:18]

• Unusually Close Race:
  In Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, a typically Republican stronghold (Trump won by 22 points in the last major election), the latest special election was unexpectedly close.

  • Mike Slater:
    “…closer than it should have been…"

• Republican Candidate Push:
  The GOP candidate Matt Van Epps narrowly defeated Democrat Afton Ben. Congressman Tim Burchett warned of "homegrown Marxists."

  • Quote:
    “It’s not these people moving in from California or New York or Chicago. It’s our own homegrown Marxists that we’re bringing up. Republicans are asleep at the switch.”
    — Mike Slater, quoting Tim Burchett [00:44]

2. Major Philanthropic Donation—Trump Investment Accounts

[01:18–02:11]

• Dell Family Gift:
  Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell are donating $6.25 billion to provide $250 deposits into new government-sponsored investment accounts for up to 25 million American children.
• Program Details:
  • Accounts are part of a Trump-backed initiative (“one big beautiful bill”).
  • The Treasury will deposit $1,000 for each child born between Jan 1, 2025 and Dec 31, 2028.
  • Private and philanthropic contributions are allowed; families can invest up to $5,000 yearly.
  • Money withdrawal is restricted until age 18 for specific uses, or age 32 for any purpose.
• Potential Growth:
  • Mike Slater states:
    “If you take this Trump account, put $1,000 into it every year…by the time a child turns 18…they could have $50,000 in that account.” [01:49]

3. President Trump’s Cabinet Meeting and Statements on Somali Immigrants

[02:11–02:29]

• Controversial Comments:
  President Trump expressed strong anti-immigrant sentiments during his ninth cabinet meeting, specifically targeting Somali immigrants and Representative Ilhan Omar.
  • Quote:
    “They [Somalis] contribute nothing. The Welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country…Ilhan Omar is garbage. Her friends are garbage. Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.”
    — Mike Slater quoting Trump [02:11–02:28]

4. Military Affairs and Media Criticism (“Fog of War” and American Heroes)

[02:29–03:04]

• Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Comments:
  The Secretary of War criticized the media for misunderstanding military actions and relying on unreliable sources.
  • Quote:
    “You don’t understand something called the fog of war. You sit in your air conditioned offices and…you want to throw out really irresponsible terms about American heroes…President Trump has empowered commanders to do what’s necessary, which is dark and difficult things in the dead of night on behalf of the American people.”
    — Pete Hegseth (via Mike Slater) [02:29–03:00]

5. Message of the Day: Trump, the Media, and Moving Forward

[03:35–06:28]

• O’Reilly’s Core Message:
  • “There is nothing wrong with opposing Donald Trump. That’s called freedom of expression. But trying to hurt the president is another matter this historian already knows. 2026 will be extremely turbulent. That's because the anti-Trump forces have just one more shot at him.” [03:52]
  • If Republicans keep both chambers in the 2026 midterms, Trump’s power will increase further.
  • Liberal and media attacks on Trump are expected to intensify; O’Reilly advises Trump to improve his messaging, especially about economic issues.
  • Critique: Trump’s personal feuds and “self-defeating invective” are distractions; a calmer communication style would help.
  • “A calmer, more verbally methodical Donald Trump would bolster him enormously because most of his policies are working.” [04:55]

6. Listener Mailbag

[06:28–07:31]

• Tone Down the Rhetoric:
  • Listener Tony (concierge member) worries that Trump’s aggressive style enriches liberal pundits.
    • O’Reilly agrees:
      “So many people have platforms because they hate Trump. That’s all it’s there.” [06:36]
• Trump Come-ons:
  • Leona Kearns from Augusta, GA, is annoyed by Trump product pitches (watches) on TV.
• Declined Interview:
  • Richard Cooper from Massachusetts questions why Franklin Graham turned down an O’Reilly interview.
    • O’Reilly:
      “But to be disrespectful to us, no.” [07:10]
• Military Shutdown Correction:
  • Amy Kirk from Tennessee points out that some who honored the military also voted for a shutdown that risked non-payment to troops.
    • O’Reilly: “Let’s correct the record on that, Amy…But they did vote to shut it down. You are correct.” [07:28]

7. Holiday Segment: Best Christmas Villages in the USA

[08:02–end]

• Travel Tips for December:
  Bill gives a rundown of the top ten “Christmas villages,” highlighting traditions and annual events in Cape Cod, Essex (CT), Franklin (TN), Stockbridge (MA), Bethlehem (PA), Park City (UT), Woodstock (VT), Middleburg (VA), Crested Butte (CO), and New York City.
  • Memorable aside:
    “If you’re going to the Big Apple to see the big tree, bring a lot of money.” [08:58]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Homegrown Political Challenges:
  “It’s our own homegrown Marxists that we’re bringing up. Republicans are asleep at the switch.”
  — Tim Burchett (via Mike Slater) [00:44]

• On the Dell Philanthropy & Trump Accounts:
  “The Dell family is giving $250 to up to 25 million kids. Pretty good.”
  — Mike Slater [01:34]

• On Trump and Communication:
  “A calmer, more verbally methodical Donald Trump would bolster him enormously because most of his policies are working.”
  — Bill O’Reilly [04:55]

• On Escalating Political Conflict:
  “2026 will be extremely turbulent…if Republicans hold the House and Senate next November…the president will actually acquire more power than he wields now…”
  — Bill O’Reilly [04:13]

• On Christmas Travel:
  “If you’re going to the Big Apple to see the big tree, bring a lot of money.”
  — Bill O’Reilly [08:58]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tennessee Special Election & Political Analysis: 00:09–01:18
• Dell Philanthropy & Trump Investment Accounts: 01:18–02:11
• Trump Cabinet Remarks on Somali Immigrants: 02:11–02:29
• Hegseth on The Fog of War & Media: 02:29–03:04
• Message of the Day (O’Reilly Commentary): 03:35–06:28
• Listener Mailbag: 06:28–07:31
• Top Christmas Villages in the USA: 08:02–end

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Summary for Listeners

This episode captures the continuing turbulence in American politics, with sharp divides in elections, strong reactions to Trump-era policy initiatives, ongoing culture war rhetoric, and calls for both clarity and civility in public dialogue. O'Reilly’s analysis offers both critique and pragmatic advice for conservatives. The episode also underscores the power of philanthropy, raises concerns about political discourse, and ends on a light note with holiday travel tips.

Transcript

[Bill O'Reilly]

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

[Mike Slater]

Thank you, Bill. It is Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Here's what's happening today in America. The Republican wins accounts funded Trump on Somalis and Hegseth on the fog of war. It's all coming up. Then. Bill's gonna be here with your message of the day. But first, very close special election in Tennessee or closer than it should have been. This is the 7th congressional district. It includes Nashville. Trump won this district by 22 points. Now, this is an off election at a weird time, but the Republican indeed just beat out the very wacky Democrat, Afton. Ben. Congressman Tim Burchett from Knoxville helped in the final push for Matt Van Epps. He warned everyone that Afton is a homegrown Marxist. He said we need to wake up to what's going on. It's not these people moving in from California or New York or Chicago. It's our own homegrown Marxists that we're bringing up. Republicans are asleep at the switch. Billionaire Michael and Susan dell are donating $6.25 billion to deposit $250 into savings accounts to up to 25 million American children. They're doing this through the new Trump investment accounts that were a part of the one big beautiful bill. The Treasury Department will give a thousand dollars to the accounts for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028. Those accounts will track a stock index and allow for private contributions up to $5,000 a year. And you can't take any of the money out until you turn at least 18. And you can only then take it out for certain reasons, like paying for college or buying a new house. You can take it out when you're 32 for any reason that you want. Families can invest $5,000 a year into the account, but private donors, philanthropists can give any amount they want. And in this case, the Dell family is giving $250 to up to 25 million kids. Pretty good. If you take this Trump account, put $1,000 into it every year. By the time a child turns 18, assuming 10% annual rate of return, they could have $50,000 in that account. The president had a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the ninth of his term, speaking of Somalis, he said they contribute nothing. The Welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don't want them in our country. He said their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks and we don't want them in our country. We have to rebuild our country, he said. We can't save our country if we keep taking in garbage. Ilhan Omar is garbage. Her friends are garbage. Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.

[Sean Spicer]

There.

[Mike Slater]

In this cabinet meeting, our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth said to the media, you don't understand something called the fog of war. You sit in your air conditioned offices and and you nitpick and you plant fake stories based on anonymous sources or based on no truth at all. And then you want to throw out really irresponsible terms about American heroes and the judgments they make. But President Trump has empowered commanders to do what's necessary, which is dark and difficult things in the dead of night. On behalf of the American people. We support them and we will stop the poisoning of the American people. I'm Mike Seider from the podcast Politics by faith. Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day. Next.

[Bill O'Reilly]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[AM PM Commercial Voice]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Could you be more specific when it's cravenient?

[AM PM Commercial Voice]

Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. pM.

[Bill O'Reilly]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[AM PM Commercial Voice]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[AM PM Commercial Voice]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's Cravenians ampm. Too much good stuff.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Time now for the O'Reilly update. Message of the day on this Wednesday. Steely Dan once sang about reelin in the years, and 2025 certainly fits into that category. President Trump returned with a vengeance, literally driving his detractors into fits of irrational rage. Let me state this clearly. There is nothing wrong with opposing Donald Trump. That's called freedom of expression. But trying to hurt the president is another matter this historian already knows. 2026 will be extremely turbulent. That's because the anti Trump forces have just one more shot at him. If Republicans hold the House and Senate next November in the midterms, the president will actually acquire more power than he wields now and the progressive left will be his main target. Thus, liberal America as well as their media allies, will attack Donald Trump non stop next year. And if he is to prevail, the president must develop a better form of messaging, especially regarding the high cost of living. The key to Trump's future is cogent explanation why he's doing what he's doing. I admire the president's accessibility, especially after the cloistered Joe Biden. But too often Mr. Trump distracts the nation with personal feuds and self defeating invective. A calmer, more verbally methodical Donald Trump would bolster him enormously because most of his policies are working. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You can reach me billorilly.com billorilly.com name in town if you wish to opine. Now, let's go to the mail. Tony concierge Member the only issue I have with Donald Trump fighting fire with fire is that it could be toned down, not because I have a problem with president defending himself, but because it's making liberals rich. So many people have platforms because they hate Trump. Ms. Now that 100%, that's all it's there. Excellent point. Leona Kearns, Augusta, Georgia. I really wish President Trump would stop selling Trump watches on tv. Leona, I wanted you to have your opinion broadcast far and wide. Richard Cooper, 8th All Massachusetts I find it hard to believe that Franklin Graham would turn down an interview with you, O'Reilly. His father would have welcomed it. I think someone in his organization is confused. Maybe Richard, but they know that we hit him yesterday. And if they want to come on or have an explanation, I've absolutely reported they know something wrong. Something wrong. All Franklin Graham has to say is, hey, Bill, I'm just not feeling it. Just don't want to do an interview at this time, that's all. And I respect that. But to be disrespectful to us, no. Amy Kirk, Mohawk, Tennessee, thank you for your honest reporting, Bill. On the no spin news since the group of six congressmen and senators created a video aimed at great men and women of our military, I think it should be pointed out that those six also voted to keep the government shut down so the military would not be paid. But the military was going to be paid. Let's correct the record on that, Amy. But they did vote to shut it down. You are correct on that. In a moment, something you might not know.

[Sean Spicer]

Hey, it's Sean Spicer reminding you to tune into the Sean Spicer show every weeknight right here. You're not going to want to miss our analysis. Whether it's the media, politics, campaigns, the upcoming midterms, Supreme Court rulings, we've got it all covered for you with the best guests in politics, the pundits, the pollsters, members of the House of Representatives, members of the Senate, candidates running for both and and key members of President Trump's administration. You're not going to want to miss it.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Now, the O'Reilly update brings you something you might not know. The Christmas season is officially underway. This December, more than 120 million Americans will travel to see family, friends and a few tourist attractions. If you are planning on taking a break, Here are the 10 best Christmas villages in the USA, as ranked by Country Living magazine. Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Not really a village, an area. And in the summer, it's a hot spot. But after Thanksgiving, things slow down. However, the locals on Cape Cod decorate the island's landmarks with lights, garland and wreaths. It's very pretty up there. Essex, Connecticut. The town hosts the annual holiday train show. Thousands of rail aficionados descend on Essex to display their Christmas locomotives. Franklin, Tennessee, home to the Dickens of a Christmas festival. Characters from Charles Dickens classics like A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist roam the cobblestone streets of Franklin for two weeks. Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The snowy village is famously depicted in Norman Rockwell's 1967 painting. Every year, the residents recreate that scene. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The town obviously named after the birthplace of Jesus, is ranked the most affordable destination this December. Average price for a hotel room, $95. I'm not sure what you're going to see in Bethlehem, but it doesn't cost a lot to check it out. Top five stars at Park City, Utah. Skiing and very nice decor. Number four, Woodstock, Vermont. Located in the Green Mountains, the village is ranked the most picturesque place New England. I've been there. It's, it's very pretty, I have to say. 3rd Middleburg, Virginia. About as homey as a place can get. About an hour out of DC Number two, Crested Butte, Colorado. The ski hotspot features a replica North Pole village, dozens of elves, six ski lifts, and the best place for Christmas travel, New York City. But if you're going to the Big Apple to see the big tree, bring a lot of money back after this. Thank you for listening to the O'Reilly update. I am Bill O'Reilly. No spin, just facts. And always looking out for you.