The O'Reilly Update, March 18, 2026

Summary

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The O’Reilly Update: March 18, 2026

Overview

In this episode of The O’Reilly Update, Bill O’Reilly and guest news host Mike Slater recap and analyze major headlines, focusing heavily on geopolitical turmoil surrounding Iran, a dramatic resignation at the National Counterterrorism Center, a mysterious meteor explosion over Ohio, and developments in international sports. O’Reilly delivers his signature "Message of the Day" critiquing America's European allies in the Iran conflict and takes listener questions related to oil prices and foreign policy. He closes with "Something You Might Not Know," providing global reaction to the joint US-Israeli strike on Iran's Supreme Leader.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. News Recap With Mike Slater (00:39)

• Joe Kent Resignation – National Counterterrorism Center

  • Kent steps down over opposition to the war with Iran. In a public letter, he asserts:
    "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby." (Mike Slater, 00:50)
  • Background: Kent is a former Green Beret and CIA officer, twice unsuccessful in Congressional races, appointed July 2025.
  • Presidential & White House Response:

    "I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security... It's a good thing that he's out because he said that Iran was not a threat. Iran was a tremendous threat." (Mike Slater, 01:23) Former deputy chief of staff: "Joe Kent is a crazed egomaniac who is often at the center of national security leaks while rarely or never producing any actual work." (Mike Slater, 01:36)

• Cuba Comments From the President

  • The President calls Cuba "a failed nation... nice land... landscape... a beautiful island." (Mike Slater, 01:50)
  • States "I do believe I'll have the honor of taking Cuba... I think I can do anything I want with it." (Mike Slater, 01:55)

• Meteor Explosion Over Ohio

  • A meteor, 6 ft across and weighing ~8 tons, exploded over Ohio and nearby states.
  • "It blew apart with the energy of 250 tons of TNT, which created quite a loud blast." (Mike Slater, 02:12)
  • Occurrences of this size are about monthly but rarely so visible/audible.

• World Baseball Classic

  • USA lost to Venezuela, despite a late-game tie: "Two run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie it up... then we lost three to two. But at least one of our colonies won." (Mike Slater, 02:47)

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2. O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: Geopolitical Frustration (04:05)

• Focus: Europe’s response to the US-Iran conflict—O’Reilly accuses NATO allies of failing the US.
• Regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran:

  “The Strait of Hormuz thing is beyond annoying. It's the only offensive capability the Iranians have left: lobbing drones at oil tankers.” (Bill O'Reilly, 04:05)

• Critical of NATO Allies:
  • “In a just world, all decent nations would line up against the homicidal mullahs and help the USA crush that terrorist state in Iran. But no, Germany says, ‘it's not our war.’ Spain won't even allow US Military aircraft to refuel on its soil… The Germans have conned America into protecting its interests and Spain is a committed socialist country.” (Bill O'Reilly, 04:17)
  • Praises Italy as an exception; disappointment in Britain:

    “Great Britain is a disappointment for sure. While it stood up during the Iraq war with Tony Blair as prime minister, the current PM Starmer is a waffle guy.” (05:01)

• O’Reilly hints at White House access for more details.
• Concludes:

  “Europe's weakness is once again exposed.” (05:33)

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3. Listener Mailbag: Oil, Iran, and Media Critique (06:04)

• Oil Prices and Foreign Dependency

  • Question: Why are oil prices rising and does the US buy oil from abroad?
    • O'Reilly: "We are pretty much oil sufficient here..." (06:56)
    • Explains most purchases are for oil "components," not raw oil, to turn into gasoline.
    • Candidly: "Why? I just don't know. I'm not an expert in that. But we're not spending a lot of money on that, okay?" (06:49)

• Iran Conflict

  • Listener Peter from Canada: "The Iran conflict was a necessary move by the president, should have been done years ago." (07:02)
  • O'Reilly: "Well, good. You think for yourself. We need more of that, Peter." (07:13)

• Interviewing Oil CEOs

  • Listener suggestion to have an oil company CEO explain price hikes.
  • O'Reilly dismisses the idea as futile:

    "They're not going to come on this program... And even if they did, they'd do the razzle dazzle two step... and I couldn't check it... So I don't think it would be a worthy enterprise." (07:33)

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4. Something You Might Not Know: Global Reaction to US-Israeli Strike (08:35)

• The Attack
  • 18 days prior, joint US-Israeli mission killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khamenei.
  • O’Reilly focuses on global diplomatic reactions:
    • Canada: Supports US action.

      "Canada's position remains clear. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East. Canada supports the United States." (Bill O'Reilly reading PM Carney, 08:47)

    • UK: No role, condemns Iranian regime.
    • Spain & Germany: Oppose action, citing energy and migration impact.
    • France: Warns of “grave consequences.”
    • Australia: Supports US, offers assistance.
    • China: Backs Iran at UN, calls US action illegal.
      • O’Reilly jabs at hypocrisy: "Hello, does that go into Tibet? Oh man, bad Vlad. Putin also defended his longtime ally, the Ayatollah." (10:52)
  • Conclusion: “Most of the world is not backing the USA in getting Iran to be a responsible nation.” (11:08)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On European allies:

  • "Our NATO friends really aren't looking out for us, are they?" (Bill O’Reilly, 04:34)
  • "Great Britain is a disappointment for sure... the current PM Starmer is a waffle guy." (05:01)

• Presidential stance on Cuba:

  • "I do believe I'll have the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be good... I think I can do anything I want with it." (Mike Slater relaying, 01:55)

• O’Reilly on guest interviews:

  • "They're not going to come on this program... they'd do the razzle dazzle two step say, oh, no, we got this, we got that... and I couldn't check it..." (07:33)

• China’s hypocrisy:

  • "The official response from Beijing: 'the US Israeli strikes have no UN Security Council authorization and violate international law.' Hello, Does that go into Tibet?" (10:34)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:39] – Mike Slater’s news rundown (Joe Kent, Cuba, meteor, World Baseball Classic)
• [04:05] – Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: Europe, NATO, and Iran
• [06:04] – Listener Mailbag: Oil prices, foreign oil, Iran conflict, oil CEO interviews
• [08:35] – Something You Might Not Know: International response to US attack on Iran
• [11:42] – Closing remarks

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Tone and Language

Bill O’Reilly maintains his trademark candid, assertive, and often sardonic tone—particularly when critiquing US allies, the state of geopolitics, and the media. Mike Slater’s delivery is brisk, factual, and occasionally wry, especially in sports and pop culture commentary.

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Summary

This episode delivers a rapid-fire summary of developments surrounding the US-Iran conflict, punctuated by pointed criticism at both domestic figures (Joe Kent) and foreign allies (especially NATO members). O’Reilly’s analysis highlights a sense of American frustration and isolation on the world stage, along with skepticism about establishment narratives on oil prices and geopolitics. Listener questions add a populist flavor, and “Something You Might Not Know” rounds out the global view with pointed observations on world leaders' reactions.

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For further commentary and news, tune in to BillOReilly.com or the No Spin News.

Transcript

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[Bill O'Reilly]

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, March 18, 2026. Here's what's happening today in America. Director resigns, a friendly takeover, loud boom over Ohio and the World Baseball Classic. It's all coming up. Then Bill's gonna be with your message of the day. But first, Joe Kent resigned as the director of the National Counterterrorism center due to his opposition to the war against Iran. He wrote in his public resignation letter, I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby. Kent is a former Green Beret and CIA officer. He lost two elections for Congress in Washington and was appointed to this position in July of last year. The president said, I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security. When I read his statement, I realized that it's a good thing that he's out because he said that Iran was not a threat. Iran was a tremendous threat. The former deputy White House chief of staff said Joe Kent is a crazed egomaniac who is often at the center of national security leaks while rarely or never producing any actual work. He spent all of his time working to subvert the chain of command and undermine the president. This isn't some principled resignation. He just wanted to make a splash before getting canned. What a loser. Latest on Cuba. The president said, it's a failed nation. They have no money. They have no oil. They have no nothing. They have nice land. They have a nice landscape. It's a beautiful island. He said, all my life I've been hearing about the United States and Cuba. You know, when will the United States do it? I do believe I'll have the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be good. That's a big honor. And when he was asked in a follow up, what do you mean taking Cuba? The president said, I think I can do anything I want with it. A loud boom was heard in Ohio and a couple other states yesterday. Apparently it's from a meteor. The meteor was also spotted further south in Virginia, Kentucky. The meteor was 6ft across, weighed about 8 tons, and was traveling at 40,000 miles per hour. And it blew apart with the energy of 250 tons of TNT, which created quite a loud blast. Apparently meteors about this size occur once a month over America, but they're usually not as visible or loud for whatever reason as this one. Team USA versus Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. America coming after a sweep of the medals in women's hockey, men's hockey, Paralympics, hockey. Now we're going to win the baseball championship. Amazing chance to keep winning gold. And we didn't. We were losing the whole game. And then two run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie it up. This is what dreams are made of. And then we lost three to two. But at least one of our colonies won. It was Team USA versus sort of Team USA and sort of Team USA won. I'm Mike Slater from the podcast Politics by Faith, now available on YouTube. Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next.

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[Bill O'Reilly]

Time now for the O'Reilly update message of the day on this Wednesday. The Strait of Hormuz thing is beyond annoying. It's the only offensive capability the Iranians have left lobbing drones at oil tankers. In a just world, all decent nations would line up against the homicidal mullahs and help the USA crush that terrorist state in Iraq. But no, Germany says, quote, it's not our war. Spain won't even allow US Military aircraft to refuel on its soil post World War II. The Germans have conned America into protecting its interests and Spain is a committed socialist country. So our NATO friends really aren't looking out for us, are they? Italy is an exception, but Great Britain is a disappointment for sure. While it stood up during the Iraq war with Tony Blair as prime minister, the current PM Stormer is a waffle guy. Now, I believe NATO sympathy in general for the devil has taken President Trump by surprise. I may find out more because I am visiting the White House and hopefully we'll get a few words with the president. And I'll report back on the no spin news. In the meantime, Europe's weakness is once again exposed. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You can reach me, Bill, at billoriley.com billorilly.com name in town if you wish to opine now, let's go to the mail.

[Caller]

Robert Ryle, North Richland Hills, Texas.

[Bill O'Reilly]

O'Reilly, thank you for standing up for

[Caller]

why our oil prices are going up. We don't buy foreign oil price gouging.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Yeah, that's where my conclusion is.

[Caller]

American companies don't have to do this, but you know, they're making the money. That's what they want to do.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Doreen Layton, Muskego, Wisconsin, Would you please

[Caller]

explain why the USA buys oil from other countries rather than using our own? Well, we did that yesterday, Doreen. Now I know you can't watch every night, but we did it yesterday.

[Bill O'Reilly]

We don't buy oil outright.

[Caller]

We buy very little of that.

[Bill O'Reilly]

We buy components so the oil can

[Caller]

be turned into gas.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Why?

[Caller]

I just don't know. I'm not an expert in that. But we're not spending a lot of money on that, okay?

[Bill O'Reilly]

We are pretty much oil sufficient here.

[Caller]

Peter Ernstone, Montreal, Canada, the Iran conflict was a necessary move by the president. Should have been done years ago. I am a great supporter from Canada.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Well, good.

[Caller]

You think it for yourself. We need more of that, Peter.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Gary Hartman, Aurora, Colorado.

[Caller]

Mr. Oh, interesting conversation regarding oil prices. As a suggestion, perhaps you could invite a CEO of one of the major oil companies bond program to explain the rise. They're not going to come on this program. Are you kidding me?

[Bill O'Reilly]

Never do that in a million years. And even if they did, they'd do

[Caller]

the razzle dazzle two step say, oh, no, we got this, we got that, we got this, we got that. And I couldn't check it, you know, if I can't check it, it's impossible to do an interview. I mean, they're internal what they have to do and that's not public. So I don't think it would be a worthy enterprise. But I appreciate the suggestion, Gary.

[Bill O'Reilly]

In a moment, something you might not know.

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[Bill O'Reilly]

Equal housing lender now the O'Reilly update brings you something you might not no 18 days ago, a joint American Israeli attack killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Since then, the mission has divided America's closest allies. Here is global reaction to the Iranian situation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney backing it, saying, quote, canada's position remains clear. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East. Canada supports the United States. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, quote, the United Kingdom played no role in these strikes, but we've been long clear the regime in Iran is abhorrent. You want it Both ways, huh, Mr. Prime Minister, the Spanish government opposes the action. Madrid recalled its ambassador to Israel as a symbolic protest will not refuel American planes, if you can believe that. Germany also critical, said Chancellor Mers. This is having a massive impact on our energy costs. Could also trigger a major migration crisis, wrote French President Macron on Twitter. Quote, the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security. Australia, however, does back the USA and is providing intelligence, defensive equipment, military assistance, including naval vessels and radar. The message from China has been kind of muted. The communists have offered their support to the Iranian regime, but it defers to the United Nations. The official response from Beijing, quote, the US Israeli strikes have no UN Security Council authorization and violate international law. The territorial integrity of all states should be fully respected. Hello, Does I go into Tibet? Oh man, bad Vlad. Putin also defended his longtime ally, the Ayatollah. So I think it's safe to say that most of the world is not backing the USA in getting Iran to

[Caller]

be a responsible nation.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Back in a moment.

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[Bill O'Reilly]

thank you for listening to the O'Reilly Update. I am Bill O'Reilly. No spin, just facts. And always looking out for you.

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