Podcast Summary: The O’Reilly Update, January 19, 2026

Host: Bill O’Reilly
News Anchor: Mike Slater
Date: January 19, 2026
Podcast: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Overview

This episode of The O'Reilly Update delivers a fact-driven roundup of major national headlines, insightful commentary on current events, and O’Reilly’s signature Message of the Day. The key topics on January 19, 2026, include potential troop deployments under the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, a U.S. retaliatory strike against ISIS, sweeping new gun-control legislation in Virginia, and the enduring significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. O'Reilly also answers listener mail and offers historical context on today's federal holiday.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Headlines with Mike Slater [00:09–03:04]

• Troops on Standby in Minnesota:

  • Pentagon prepares 1,500 active-duty soldiers for possible deployment under the Insurrection Act.
  • Troops from the 11th Airborne Division (Alaska, cold-weather experts) are assigned due to concerns over local authorities' ability or willingness to keep peace in Minneapolis (recent highs: 2°F, with colder weather ahead).
  • Local officials object, citing fears of federal "invasion."
  • Notable Quote: “The mayor of Minneapolis said, 'I never thought in a million years that we would be invaded by our own federal government.'” – Mike Slater [00:45]

• ISIS Retaliation and U.S. Response:

  • U.S. conducted a strike targeting over 100 ISIS/terror infrastructure sites.
  • Strike avenged the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter ambushed in Syria.
  • Notable Quote: “There's no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.” – Admiral Brad Cooper [01:35]

• Gun Legislation in Virginia:

  • New Democratic majority introduces multiple gun-control measures:
    • 11% excise tax on firearms/ammo
    • Broadened red flag laws
    • Mandatory 5-day waiting period
    • Storage requirements to keep firearms/ammo from minors/prohibited persons
    • $500 suppressor tax
    • Assault weapons ban
  • Comparison to Colorado's 2013 reforms.

• Sports & Presidential Executive Order:

  • National Championship (Miami vs. Indiana).
  • President sets exclusive broadcast window protecting the Army-Navy football game from overlap (“No other game can violate this timeslot.”).

2. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day [03:04–05:57]

• Understanding Donald Trump’s Mindset:
  • O’Reilly reflects on his decades-long knowledge of Trump, characterizing himself as an honest observer rather than a sycophant.
  • Praises Trump’s directness, citing private conversations and his claim of negotiating “$2 trillion in benefit for America” after Asian diplomacy trips (uncertain accounting, but O’Reilly accepts his word).
  • Critiques the media and political opponents for dismissing Trump’s achievements abroad.
  • Notable Quote: “In his first 10 months in office, President Trump did 100 times more than Joe Biden did in four years. That’s provable. That is a fact.” – Bill O'Reilly [03:48]
  • Diplomatic observation: “Japan likes him, Malaysia likes him, Cambodia likes him, China, South Korea likes him. All of that is a plus.” [04:48]

3. Audience Mailbag [05:57–07:30]

• De-escalation by Law Enforcement:

  • Denise (Port Jervis, NY): Concerned about unrealistic de-escalation expectations for officers.
  • O'Reilly: Emphasizes necessity in life-or-death situations: “They got to do it. You can’t lose the folks on this one.” [06:20]

• Federal Funding to States:

  • Paul (Crescent City, CA): Suggests cutting off Minnesota & Oregon.
  • O'Reilly: Not presidentially possible; only Congress could act, and courts unlikely to permit broad funding cuts. [06:50]

• Praise for Coverage:

  • Raymond (Vandalia, OH): Commends O’Reilly’s analysis of Minneapolis shooting and border policy, compares O’Reilly’s clarity to Trump’s.
  • O’Reilly: Defends Trump’s coherence by noting his busy schedule. [07:15]

• CIA Transparency:

  • Chantal & Peter (Englewood, CA): Wonder if CIA has gotten less secretive.
  • O’Reilly: Hasn’t noticed increased publicity; asks listeners for specific examples. [07:45]

4. Something You Might Not Know: Martin Luther King Day [07:55–09:59]

• History of the Holiday:
  • Recounts 15-year struggle to recognize MLK Day, opposition due to fears over inflaming racial tensions.
  • 1979: Legislation initially fails even with President Carter’s support and King family testimonials.
  • 1983: Only public advocacy (including Stevie Wonder’s involvement) produces success; Reagan ultimately signs the bill despite hesitations.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Reagan: “This whole thing is based on an image, not reality.” [09:25]
    • “I will sign the legislation.” [09:36]
• Unusual Observances:
  • Notes some states still link MLK Day with Confederate memorials, e.g., Robert E. Lee Day in Alabama and Mississippi.
  • O’Reilly's stance: “Martin Luther King Day should stand on its own.” [09:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “In his first 10 months in office, President Trump did 100 times more than Joe Biden did in four years. That’s provable. That is a fact.” – Bill O'Reilly [03:48]
• “The mayor of Minneapolis said, 'I never thought in a million years that we would be invaded by our own federal government.'” – Mike Slater [00:45]
• “There's no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.” – Admiral Brad Cooper (quoted by Slater) [01:35]
• “Martin Luther King Day should stand on its own.” – Bill O'Reilly [09:50]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:09 – 03:04: News headlines with Mike Slater
• 03:04 – 05:57: O’Reilly’s Message of the Day (Trump analysis)
• 05:57 – 07:30: Listener mail and O’Reilly’s direct responses
• 07:55 – 09:59: History and meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Summary Takeaways

• The episode offers O’Reilly's perspective on military, political, and social headlines, combining news with analysis rooted in his decades of experience with national figures.
• Discussion spans urgent current events (military deployments, terrorism, gun laws) and longer-term policy/historical analysis (MLK Day’s legacy).
• O’Reilly’s tone is candid, unreserved, and direct, aiming to provide insight beyond the mainstream headlines while actively engaging listeners through mail and historical context.