The O'Reilly Update, July 31, 2025

Summary

Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: The O’Reilly Update, July 31, 2025
Release Date: July 31, 2025

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1. Introduction

In the July 31, 2025 episode of Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis, host Bill O’Reilly delves into a range of pressing national issues, from economic policies and international trade deals to the evolving landscape of American media. The episode features insightful commentary, notable listener interactions, and a critical examination of current events shaping the United States.

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2. Mike Slater’s News Segment

Federal Reserve Tensions and Economic Indicators

Mike Slater opens the segment by discussing the recent presidential visit to the Federal Reserve, highlighting a significant power struggle over cost overruns related to the renovation of Fed office buildings, amounting to $3.1 billion. Despite the president's assertive move, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell remained steadfast, emphasizing the importance of policy independence. Powell stated, “policy independence gives central bankers the ability to make these very challenging decisions in a way that are focused on the data, the evolving outlook, the balance of risks and not on political factors” (00:20).

The Federal Reserve reported that inflation remains "somewhat elevated," leading to a decision to maintain current interest rates. Notably, two Fed governors appointed by the president dissentently voted against the majority, advocating for a quarter-point rate cut—a first occurrence since 1993.

Trade Agreements and International Relations

The President announced a new trade deal with South Korea, reducing tariffs from 25% to 15%, mirroring the recent agreement with Japan. This deal includes a substantial $350 billion South Korean investment in the U.S., with $150 billion directed towards the American shipbuilding industry. Slater underscores the strategic importance, noting, “We build almost all of our ships in South Korea. Not good if we ever go to war with China” (01:15).

However, negotiations with India have stalled, with President Trump threatening a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to unsatisfactory progress.

Political Landscape and Puerto Rico’s Crisis

Addressing domestic politics, Kamala Harris announced she will not run for governor of California in 2026, sparking speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run. Slater remarks, “There's no way we could be that fortunate” (01:55).

Additionally, Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency as the National Guard is deployed to address the ongoing water crisis, leaving nearly 3,000 customers without water and severely impacting local businesses.

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3. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day

Americans’ Attitudes Toward Wealth and Relationships

Bill O’Reilly presents a striking Canadian poll indicating that 47% of Americans would dump their spouse or partner for $1 million. He critiques this sentiment, suggesting that loyalty is more deeply valued than monetary gain. O’Reilly muses, “This sentiment might be more about loyalty than money. We all live in a where’s mine age. Self-obsession is as American as pumpkin pie” (03:27).

He further humorously observes that while a million dollars is substantial, it pales in comparison to the cost of oceanfront homes, yachts, and flashy cars, which often run ten times higher. O’Reilly concludes that such a mindset reflects a self-centered culture, noting, “15% say they would frame a friend for a crime to acquire a million bucks. That’s evil and corresponds exactly to my number of rotten human beings, 15% of the population” (04:03).

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4. Listener Mail and Interactions

Concerns About Digital Addiction

• Robert shares his worries as a psychologist: “Very troubling to me to see people out to dinner with friends and they’re all on their cell phones instead of interacting with each other” (05:27). He emphasizes the long-term societal impact of pervasive device usage.

• Carol responds by balancing her phone usage through podcasts, stating, “I like the podcast as they give me opposing POVs. Nothing wrong with that. But you gotta have time, real life time” (05:30).

• DeWitt highlights his efforts to engage in activities outside the internet, such as playing with his dog, playing guitar, and reading, which he credits with preventing excessive screen time (06:13).

Political Opinions and Media Critique

• Mark Reed from Binghamton, NY, contests the notion that unfavorable views of the Democratic Party affect the broader success in midterm elections, arguing that local dynamics prevail (06:11).

• Mitchell Rabb from Mesquite, Nevada, criticizes the media culture, describing it as a "lunatic culture," and attributes the liberal dominance among young Americans to the existing media environments (06:11).

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5. Analysis of Television News Ratings

Decline of Late-Night Shows and Partisan Media

Bill O’Reilly shifts focus to the declining ratings of television news programs, attributing it to audience fatigue with partisan politics. He cites the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show by CBS, noting a viewer drop from over 4 million to 2 million (07:50). Other late-night staples are also struggling:

• Jimmy Kimmel faces potential cancellation, with viewership dwindling to just over 1 million, including a mere 200,000 in the younger demographic (08:03).

• Jimmy Fallon sees his weekly schedule reduced to four nights, signaling uncertainty about his show's future (08:40).

• ABC’s The View is under pressure, with Joy Behar potentially retiring and Sunny Hostin’s contract up for renewal following controversial moments on air (08:48). O'Reilly highlights the show's turmoil, especially incidents involving Matt Gaetz, noting, “That DOJ investigation was closed with no charges being brought” (09:22).

O’Reilly concludes that the media’s entrenched partisan nature renders it unlikely for significant changes to occur, as these behaviors are deeply rooted in the personalities and presentation styles of media professionals (10:01).

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6. Conclusion

Bill O’Reilly wraps up the episode by reinforcing his commitment to delivering "No Spin, Just Facts", encouraging listeners to seek more honest analysis on his website. The episode underscores the interplay between economic policies, political dynamics, media influence, and societal behaviors, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current American landscape.

For more detailed discussions and honest insights, listeners are directed to visit BillOReilly.com.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jerome Powell: “policy independence gives central bankers the ability to make these very challenging decisions in a way that are focused on the data, the evolving outlook, the balance of risks and not on political factors.” (00:20)

• Mike Slater on South Korean Investment: “We build almost all of our ships in South Korea. Not good if we ever go to war with China.” (01:15)

• Bill O’Reilly on Million-Dollar Poll: “15% say they would frame a friend for a crime to acquire a million bucks. That’s evil and corresponds exactly to my number of rotten human beings, 15% of the population.” (04:03)

• Robert on Digital Addiction: “Very troubling to me to see people out to dinner with friends and they’re all on their cell phones instead of interacting with each other.” (05:27)

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and informative overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker]

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 Thursday, July 31, 2025. Here's what's happening today in America. Powell won't blink. Newest trade deal, Kamala's decision and Puerto Rico calls the National Guard. That's all coming up. Then Bill's gonna be here with your message of the day. But first, the president made a trip to the Federal Reserve just a couple days ago. A bit of a power move over the Federal Reserve chairman because of cost overruns on the renovation of fed office buildings, $3.1 billion worth. But the chairman was unmoved. He said policy independence gives central bankers the ability to make these very challenging decisions in a way that are focused on the data, the evolving outlook, the balance of risks and not on political factors. The Fed did say that inflation is, quote, somewhat elevated and therefore decided to keep rates the same. When Powell was asked about the president's visit, he said, quote, we had a nice visit with the president. It was an honor to host him. Now, two Fed governors who are appointed by the president dissented from the 12 member vote saying they would have preferred a quarter point rate cut. This is the first time two Fed governors voted against the majority since 1993. The GDP also grew at 3% for the second quarter, better than expected from most expert economists. The president has announced a trade deal with South Korea. The deal would lower its tariffs from 25% to 15%, similar to the deal that the president struck with Japan last week. He also said South Korea would invest $350 billion in the United States. $150 billion would be dedicated to helping the American shipbuilding industry. We build almost all of our ships in South Korea. Not good if we ever go to war with China. An important concession for South Korea was South Korean car exports will face only a 15% tariff. Trade negotiations with India not proceeding as the president would like. Trump threatened a 25% tariff on India. Kamala Harris has announced that she will not run for governor of California in 2026. Does this mean that she could run for president again? And 2028, there's no way we could be that fortunate. Over the last several months, the former vice president has waded back into politics. She has a fundraising committee, the Harris Victory Fund, which has never resulted in a victory. Puerto Rico has announced a state of emergency. The National Guard has been called because there are still thousands of homes without water. Nearly 180,000 customers were affected at the peak of the outage late last week. And as Of Wednesday, nearly 3,000 customers are still without water, including a dozen hotels. It's not good for business. I'm Mike Slater. From the podcast Politics by faith. Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next with Robinhood.

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[Bill O'Reilly]

Time now for the O'Reilly update. Message of the day. On this Thursday, a new poll taken by a gambling outfit in Canada says 47% of Americans would dump their spouse or partner in return for $1 million. Now, that sounds kind of high unless you live in Hollywood, but it's worth thinking about a million bucks no longer buys all that much. Oceanfront homes in nice places run at least 10 times that. So do yachts, and even flashy cars.

[Unknown Speaker]

Can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Bill O'Reilly]

So this sentiment might be more about loyalty than money. We all live in a where's mine age. Self obsession is as American as pumpkin pie. Many of us just want stuff. An extra million helps in that department, no question. But you're not going to live large unless you move to the Solomon Islands. And what about Becky and Larry? To use friendly companion names, they go under the Hummer for cash. That's kind of cold, is it not? We already know that millions of Americans prefer their pets to spouses and partners. All the surveys say that. I bet that number would be significantly lower if Americans were asked to give up their Pekingese for a million. Finally, 15% say they would frame a friend for a crime to acquire a million bucks. That's evil and corresponds exactly to my number of rotten human beings, 15% of the population. Lots of folks. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You can reach me bill@bill o'reilly.com bill@billo.

[Unknown Speaker]

Riley.Com name in town if you wish to opine. Okay, let's go to the mail.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Robert, you're spot on with people's addiction to the devices.

[Unknown Speaker]

O'Reilly, I'm a psychologist. Very troubling to me to see people out to dinner with friends and they're all on their cell phones instead of interacting with each other. Also see people out on nature walks instead of enjoying the walk. They got their bloody cell phones. Thank God I grew up in a different era. I agree 100%. That's going to take a big toll on the US population. Carol I spend a lot of time on my phone because I listen to a variety of podcasts. I do not watch any media on TV. I like the podcast as they give me opposing POVs. Nothing wrong with that. But you gotta have time, real life time. That's all I'm saying. Nothing wrong getting information. I do that.

[Bill O'Reilly]

DeWitt, thanks for your advice.

[Unknown Speaker]

I've been actively cultivating interests outside of the Internet. I play with my dog, play the guitar, read books, and that prevents me from looking at the screen. I can see the difference in my life. Mark Reed, Binghamton, New York. Bill, you cited Wall Street Journal polls saying 63% of registered voted views the Democratic Party unfavorably. But current polls by Rasmussen and Wall Street Journal show Democrats ahead in the congressional midterms. It doesn't matter. That's local, district by district, and that'll change. Mitchell Rabb, Mesquite, Nevada. You mentioned that the media, in addition to colleges university, has a liberal culture. I believe the media, in addition to colleges and universities has a lunatic culture. Okay, you're entitled your opinion. But there's a reason why so many young Americans are lefties. And there's a reason why news agencies on television are propagandists is because of the cultures that exist in those agencies.

[Bill O'Reilly]

In a moment, something you might not know.

[Piers Morgan]

I'm Piers Morgan, the host of the Piers Morgan Uncensored podcast. We do big interviews and we do big debates about whatever's getting people talking. We make news, we make noise, and we make a little bit of trouble, too. Come and see what all the fuss is about. You can listen to Piers Morgan uncensored on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Now the O'Reilly update brings you something you might not know. A quick glance at the cratering television news ratings tells the truth.

[Unknown Speaker]

Americans are exhausted by the constant barrage of partisan politics.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Earlier this month, CBS canned the Late show with Stephen Colbert. His predecessor, David Letterman, commanded more than 4 million viewers a night. Under Colbert, the figure has been cut in half.

[Unknown Speaker]

He is not alone. Here's some of the other programs that are in serious jeopardy.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Jimmy Kimmel is on the proverbial chopping block. His program's watched by just a little more than a million people, only 200,000.

[Unknown Speaker]

In the younger demographic. And that makes it very hard to sell ads on the Kimmel program.

[Bill O'Reilly]

As for Jimmy Fallon, NBC reduced his weekly schedule to four nights.

[Unknown Speaker]

That is not a good omen.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Then there is a View on abc.

[Unknown Speaker]

Under heavy pressure, Disney is looking to drop the tired hate Trump format.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Three hosts are in some kind of trouble. Joy Behar, 82 years old, may be forced to retire when the show returns in September. I'm betting that will happen, but I could be wrong.

[Unknown Speaker]

Sunny Hosan's contract expires the end of this year. Ms. Hosin is now a financial liability for ABC. Last November, the anchor had to recant a couple of false statements on live.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Television in the middle of the View.

[Whoopi Goldberg]

Sonny, you have a legal note. I do have a legal note. Thank you, Whoopi. Matt Gaetz has long denied all allegations, calling the claims quote invented and saying in a statement to ABC News that this false smear following a three year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism. That DOJ investigation was closed with no charges being brought.

[Unknown Speaker]

We'll be right back.

[Bill O'Reilly]

The vicious Ana Navarro may also make an early exit unless Disney is happy.

[Unknown Speaker]

With her constant personal attacks.

[Bill O'Reilly]

So many Americans are simply tuning out of the hate stuff. The question now becomes, can the media change course and tamp down the political excess? I don't think so. It's ingrained in their personalities and their presentations.

[Unknown Speaker]

So I'm not counting on it. Back after this.

Americans love using their credit cards, the most secure and hassle free way to pay. But D.C. politicians want to change that with the Durbin Marshall credit card bill. This bill lets corporate megastores pick how your credit card is processed, allowing them to use untested payment networks that jeopardize your data security and rewards. Corporate mega megastores will make more money and you pay the price. Tell Congress to guard your card because Americans lose when politicians choose.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Learn [e-mail] thank you for listening to the O'Reilly Update. I am Bill O'Reilly. For more news and honest analysis, please go to billoreilly.com no spin, just facts. And always looking out for you, Sam.