Podcast Summary: The O'Reilly Update, January 14, 2026
Host: Bill O'Reilly
Date: January 14, 2026
Theme: A roundup of major national news stories, sharp editorial commentary, and historical reflection — “No Spin. Just Facts.”
Main Theme
This episode features host Bill O’Reilly and news contributor Mike Slater recapping the top news of the day. Topics range from international crises and political developments to Supreme Court cases and the passing of a cultural icon. O’Reilly delivers a focused message on the dangers of disregarding due process in the U.S., responds to listener mail, and shares an intriguing story about Elvis Presley’s legendary “Aloha from Hawaii” special.
Key Highlights & Discussion Points
1. News Roundup with Mike Slater
(00:09 – 03:04)
-
Iran Unrest and U.S. Response
- Over 10,000 reportedly arrested in Iran amid continuing regime protests.
- President Trump announces cancellation of talks with Iranian officials, stating:
- “Help is on the way. Miga or MYGA — Make Iran Great Again.”
- Imposition of a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran to “isolate the regime economically.”
- Advises American citizens: “leave Iran immediately as the situation escalates.”
- Warns the Iranian regime: “Regime killers will pay a big price,” and urges protesters to “take over your institutions.”
- (00:32 – 01:10)
-
Trump Visits Ford Plant
- Trump cheered at Ford’s F-150 plant in Dearborn, MI.
- Announces highest new vehicle sales since 2019; highlights major investments from automakers.
- “For the first time, Americans can deduct interest on auto loans for vehicles made in America.”
- Eliminates “Biden era fuel economy standards,” lowering car prices by ~$1,000.
- (01:11 – 01:48)
-
Supreme Court on Transgender Athlete Cases
- SCOTUS hears oral arguments on state bans (WV, ID) against boys competing in girls’ sports.
- Justices seem to side with protecting girls’ sports.
- Notable moment:
- Justice Alito asks ACLU lawyer for definitions of “man” and “woman” — lawyer has none.
- Alito: “To decide if there's discrimination on the basis of sex under Title IX, we need to define what sex is, right?”
- ACLU lawyer: “We do not have a definition for the court.”
- Slater’s reaction: "Yikes."
- (01:49 – 02:15)
-
Scott Adams’ Passing
- “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams dies at 68 (prostate cancer).
- Trump statement: “He was a fantastic guy who liked and respected me when it wasn't fashionable to do so.”
- Adams known for early Trump support and later as a political commentator.
- (02:16 – 03:04)
2. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: The Dangers of Ignoring Due Process
(03:04 – 05:45)
- O’Reilly reacts to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s statement that an ICE agent “committed murder” in the shooting of Renee Goode.
- “Mr. Kerr’s denial of due process is actually dangerous because so many Americans have little idea that everyone in this country is presumed innocent until found guilty… Apparently, old Steve doesn't know that or doesn't care. That puts him in a hyper pinhead category.” (03:16)
- Warns that disrespect for due process could lead to “anarchy and witch hunting,” referencing his own book Killing the Witches.
- “If due process is not respected in the USA, we are all on our way to anarchy and witch hunting.” (03:48)
- Criticizes Kerr as a “virtue signaler” and “left wing ideologue.”
- Ends with: "Wise is not a word I would associate with the coach; left wing ideologue, a much better description." (04:19)
3. Listener Mailbag
(05:46 – 07:10)
-
Sanctuary Cities and Federal Law
- Rick Coach (Anchorage, AK): “By definition, sanctuary cities are actively impeding federal law enforcement. Why hasn't Trump’s DOJ held them accountable?”
- O’Reilly: “Sanctuary city is a designation, that's not a crime. ... You can designate yourself a Martian from Venus, okay? ... But until you go in and then commit an actual crime, can't be charged.”
- (06:10 – 06:30)
-
Strategy on Immigration and Blue States
- Ann Biddles (Jerseyville, IL): If the focus is only on red states, would surrendering blue states make America more aware of danger?
- O’Reilly: “Can't surrender. That's why Trump is surging in Minneapolis… Can't do that.” (06:40)
-
AP's Nature
- James Concierge: “Who is the Associated Press associated with?”
- O’Reilly: “It's a private company and they sell their articles to thousands of newspapers all over the world.”
- (07:02)
4. Something You Might Not Know: "Aloha from Hawaii" – The King’s Global Broadcast
(07:11 – 09:56)
- Elvis Presley’s 1973 Global TV Concert
- January 14, 1973: “Aloha from Hawaii” broadcast from Honolulu International.
- Stage was five feet lower to connect with fans; the set list included classics like “Hound Dog.”
- “More than 1.5 billion people watched Elvis that evening, 40% of the global population.” (08:30)
- Details Elvis’s later decline:
- “Elvis’s life spiraled out of control from there on… by 1977… gained 90 pounds, could no longer walk without a cane… was found dead… at the age of 42.”
- “Doctors ruled the cause of death a coronary, but they were misleading. Elvis Presley died from taking narcotics over a long period of time.” (09:38)
Notable Quotes
- President Trump on Iran: "Help is on the way. Miga or MYGA — Make Iran Great Again." (00:36)
- Justice Alito during Supreme Court oral arguments: “To decide if there's discrimination on the basis of sex under Title IX, we need to define what sex is, right?” (02:00)
- Bill O’Reilly on due process: "If due process is not respected in the USA, we are all on our way to anarchy and witch hunting." (03:48)
- O’Reilly critiquing Steve Kerr: “Virtue signaler. He plays to his ideological base in San Francisco. The problem is he has influence among some younger Americans, including players on his team, and he is leading them to a very dark place.” (03:36)
- Listener Q&A - on sanctuary city designations: "You can designate yourself a Martian from Venus, okay? ... But until you go in and then commit an actual crime, can't be charged." (06:15)
- On Associated Press: "It's a private company and they sell their articles to thousands of newspapers all over the world." (07:02)
- On Elvis's audience: "More than 1.5 billion people watched Elvis that evening, 40% of the entire global population." (08:30)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:09 – National and political news roundup with Mike Slater
- 02:15 – Supreme Court oral arguments on transgender athletes
- 02:16 – Scott Adams obituary and tribute
- 03:04 – O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: Due process and Steve Kerr
- 05:46 – Listener Mailbag: Sanctuary cities, immigration, AP explained
- 07:11 – Something You Might Not Know: Elvis’s 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii”
- 09:57 – (Advertisements and outro, skipped.)
Memorable Moments
- The Supreme Court exchange over basic definitions: The ACLU’s inability to define “man” or “woman” when pressed by Justice Alito becomes a focal point for debate about gender issues and legal clarity. ("Yikes." — Mike Slater, 02:12)
- O’Reilly’s sharp rebuke of Steve Kerr: He places Kerr in the “hyper pinhead category” and underscores the importance of due process for all Americans.
- Elvis’s legacy and decline: The contrast between his global triumph and personal downfall is told with O’Reilly’s signature directness.
Conclusion
This episode delivers a brisk but wide-ranging overview of major U.S. and international stories, with O’Reilly’s brand of no-nonsense analysis. It emphasizes the crucial principle of due process, offers sharp takes on political and legal controversies, and provides an intriguing pop culture history lesson. Engaging for news junkies and O’Reilly fans alike.
