The O'Reilly Update, May 19, 2026

Summary

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Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update, May 19, 2026

Host: Bill O'Reilly
Date: May 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode tackles the day’s top political stories, including a major decision on potential military action against Iran, a pivotal primary race in Kentucky, actions on juvenile crime in D.C., and policy updates on prescription drug pricing. Bill O’Reilly delivers his signature “Message of the Day,” reflecting on American leadership abroad, referencing both religious and historical figures, and responds to listener commentary on international affairs and domestic policy. The episode concludes with a historical segment about Marilyn Monroe’s famous serenade of President John F. Kennedy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National & World News (00:40–03:34)

With guest newsreader Mike Slater

• Iran Attack Called Off (00:40-01:39)

  • President Donald Trump canceled a planned strike on Iran after consulting with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
    • Trump: “We will not be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, which is today in light of responses from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.” (00:56)
  • Tehran presented a 14-point ceasefire proposal via Pakistan.
  • Trump instructed Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Kane to “be prepared to go forward with a full large-scale assault on Iran at a moment's notice in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached.”

• Kentucky House Primary (01:40-02:14)

  • Spotlight on the most expensive House primary in US history: Incumbent Thomas Massie faces Ed Gallerin, a Trump-endorsed, fifth-generation farmer and Navy SEAL.
  • Massie’s record of voting against the party is highlighted as the key issue jeopardizing his support within the GOP.
    • Vice President: “Voting against the party on every single issue, you're eventually going to make too many enemies. And that's the problem that Thomas has had.” (01:58)

• Juvenile Crime & Parental Accountability in Washington, D.C. (02:14-02:46)

  • Footage surfaces of violent youth brawling in a Chipotle.
  • U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro: Parents whose children are involved will be held accountable and could face fines, court-ordered classes, or up to six months in jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
    • Pirro: “If you drop your kid off and you fail to supervise them … you're going to face fines, court ordered classes and possible jail time.” (02:29)

• Prescription Drug Policy Update (Trump Rx) (02:47-03:11)

  • Over 600 drugs added to the Trump Rx website, marking a sevenfold increase.
  • Mark Cuban, owner of a generic drug company, is mentioned as an ally and supporter of lower drug prices.
    • Cuban: “Americans across the political spectrum want lower drug prices.” (03:10)

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2. O’Reilly’s Message of the Day (04:05–05:49)

• On Iran, American Leadership, and Global Stakes
  • O’Reilly anticipates further U.S. military action against Iran, drawing parallels with historical and religious resistance to evil.
    • O’Reilly: “With respect to Pope Leo, it looks like more military action will soon take place in Iran. The world is closely watching the mullah's nuclear defiance.” (04:10)
  • Criticizes global inaction and underscores America’s burden as the world’s protector, referencing the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
    • “There is always a price for leadership. Americans are now paying it … It’s not fair, but the alternative is to allow Iran to build its death dealing capabilities.” (04:30)
  • Invokes Christian imagery and the legacy of Popes to highlight the perils of appeasement.
    • "The Pope is a man of peace and I wish the world would embrace his vision, but it won’t. It never has." (04:52)

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3. Listener Mailbag & Commentary (05:51–08:00)

• The Vatican & Migrant Policy (05:58-06:18)

  • Listener Jeffrey Effenberg questions the Vatican’s refugee record. O’Reilly dismisses the direct comparison due to size and security constraints.
    • O’Reilly: “Millions of people have visited the Vatican, but you're making a false comparison … Vatican City is a very small place. One pope's already been shot.” (06:04)

• Trump and Foreign Policy Critique (06:19-06:31)

  • Listener Edward Wood: “Trump has resolved nothing. Ukraine? Nope. Iran’s a damn mess. He is all mouth. China, they gave Trump nothing.”
  • O’Reilly responds that some of the criticism is fair, but emphasizes the need for productive outcomes for the U.S.
    • O’Reilly: “You could make an argument there. I don’t see it quite that way. But stuff’s got to start to happen.” (06:32)

• Continued Support for Trump (06:56-07:06)

  • Listener Ruth K.: “I'm still convinced President Trump is the best fit for our country in these turbulent days. Don't see anyone close on the horizon.”

• Personal Involvement & Energy Policy (07:07-08:00)

  • Asked why he didn’t travel to China with Trump, O’Reilly says he’s not part of the administration and wouldn’t go as their guest.
  • Regarding oil companies and regulation, O’Reilly expresses skepticism about overregulation, suggesting oil companies might simply stop drilling if squeezed too hard.

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4. Something You Might Not Know: Marilyn Monroe & JFK (08:38–11:16)

• Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday” to JFK (08:38-10:35)

  • Recaps Monroe’s famously sultry performance at JFK’s 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden, May 19, 1962.
    • O’Reilly: “Politicians and celebrities gathered … for one iconic moment. Marilyn Monroe’s performance of the song Happy Birthday.” (08:42)
  • Quotes Monroe’s iconic singing:
    • Monroe: “Happy birthday, Mr. President.” (09:52)
  • Conspiracy theories briefly explored regarding Monroe’s death three months later.

• Marilyn Monroe’s Legacy (10:38-11:16)

  • Monroe’s star status and career summary: 33 films and earnings amounting to approximately $15 million today.
    • “On the night Marilyn Monroe serenaded JFK, the actress was considered America’s biggest star.”

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Iran:
  “Iran will soon pay a major price for its terrorist strategy as the world looks on and essentially hides. There is always a price for leadership.” — Bill O’Reilly (04:25)
• On Political Unity:
  “Voting against the party on every single issue, you're eventually going to make too many enemies.” — Vice President, as quoted by Mike Slater (01:58)
• On Parental Responsibility:
  “If you drop your kid off and you fail to supervise them or you let them skip school to join the chaos, you’re going to face fines, court ordered classes and possible jail time.” — Jeanine Pirro, US Attorney (02:29)
• On Media and Scandal:
  “Allegations of an affair between JFK and Ms. Monroe were rumored but remained unreported by the media, which was exceedingly friendly to JFK.” — Bill O’Reilly (08:46)
• Listener Perspective:
  “I’m still convinced President Trump is the best fit for our country in these turbulent days.” — Listener Ruth K. (06:59)

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Important Timestamps

• National & World News Rundown: 00:40–03:34
• O’Reilly Message of the Day: 04:05–05:49
• Listener Mailbag: 05:51–08:00
• Historical Feature - Marilyn Monroe and JFK: 08:38–11:16

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This episode delivers no-spin, fact-driven commentary on the day’s most pressing domestic and international political developments, laced with historical reflection and listener viewpoints, remaining in Bill O’Reilly’s direct, critical, and conversational style.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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

[C]

Thank you, Bill. It is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Here's what's happening today in America. Calling off the strike, big Kentucky primary, delinquency charges coming and Trump Rx. It's all coming up. Then Bill's gonna be here with your message of the day. But first, President Donald Trump said he's calling off a plan to attack Iran today after the leaders of three countries in the Middle east told him to hold off. Trump said, quote, we will not be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, which is today in light of responses from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and uae. At the same time, Iran's state run news agency claimed that Tehran has prepared a 14 point ceasefire proposal and gave it to Pakistan officials to present to the United States. Trump told the New York Post that Iran, quote, knows what's going to be happening soon. The president said he told Pete Hegseth and the Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Kane that while this attack is off for today, they should, quote, be prepared to go forward with a full large scale assault on Iran at a moment's notice in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached. Big primary in Kentucky today against the incumbent seven term Congressman Thomas Massie. The Trump endorsed candidate is Ed Gallerin, a fifth generation farmer who was personally recruited by the president. This race has been the most expensive House primary in history in terms of ad spending. Massey has been on the wrong side of the president for the last year. As the vice president said, being independent, having your own opinions, that's one thing. Voting against the party on every single issue, you're eventually going to make too many enemies. And that's the problem that Thomas has had. It's not one issue, it's not three or four issues, but it's every time that we've needed Thomas for a vote, he's been completely unwilling to provide it. And when you always vote against the party, you can't expect the party to actually back you. Pete Hegseth was in Kentucky yesterday to rally for Ed Gal Ryan, who's a former Navy seal, a gang of violent juveniles captured on video in a brawl In a Washington, D.C. chipotle chairs were thrown. Chaos abound. This comes right after Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney said that parents are now responsible for their kids behavior like this. She said, we're going to charge them. And if you drop your kid off and you fail to supervise them or you let them skip school to join the chaos, you're going to face fines, court ordered classes and possible jail time. Parents could face up to six months in jail on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The president said he is adding over 600 prescription drugs to the Trump Rx website, a sevenfold increase from before. The president was joined by Mark Cuban, who endorsed Kamala and who also runs an online pharmacy for generic drugs as well. He said Americans across the political spectrum want lower drug prices. I'm Mike Slater from the podcast Politics by Faith. If you could Please [e-mail] politicsbyfaith the great Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next.

[D]

Hey, this is Mike Slater. I have a podcast called Politics by Faith. I would love for you to listen. We take the news of the day and we run it through the Bible. What does the Bible have to say about this? Because there's nothing new under the sun. You read the headlines. Everything's all crazy. World's coming to an end. It's all in the Bible. And after every episode, hopefully you leave with a proper perspective and a biblical piece. Please join us wherever you listen to podcasts and we also have a YouTube page as well. YouTube.com politicsbyfaith

[B]

Time now for the O'Reilly update. Message of the day on this Tuesday. With respect to Pope Leo, it looks like more military action will soon take place in Iran. The world is closely watching the mullah's nuclear defiance. And President Trump understands the USA cannot show weakness, especially to China, a very violent country. In other words, Iran will soon pay a major price for its terrorist strategy as the world looks on and essentially hides. There is always a price for leadership. Americans are now paying it as our 250th birthday closes in. It's not fair, but the alternative is to allow Iran to build its death dealing capabilities. The Pope is a man of peace and I wish the world would embrace his vision, but it won't. It never has. The Romans murdered a very peaceful man by driving nails into his body. Pope Leo understands terrorism and injustice. It grows without violent confrontation. So another round of violence is near. America protects the world from evil. We have done that so many times at very great sacrifice. Another round is on the way. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approved the message by writing it. You can reach me billorilly.com billorilly.com name

[E]

in town if you wish to opine.

[B]

Now, let's go to the mail.

[E]

Jeffrey Effenberg, Lake Forest Park, Washington.

[B]

Though, with regards to your remarkable pope's

[E]

deep concern for treatment of illegal migrants, can you advise me how many millions have been welcomed into the Vatican? Millions of people have visited the Vatican, but you're making a false comparison. Of course. Vatican City is a very small place. One pope's already been shot. The potential for violence there is colossal. So that doesn't really work. Edward Wood, Edenton, North Carolina. Trump has resolved nothing. Ukraine? Nope. Iran's a damn mess. He is all mouth. China, they gave Trump nothing. Okay, Edward, you could make an argument there. I don't see it quite that way. But stuff's got to start to happen. When I say stuff, I mean things favorable to our country.

[B]

RUTH K. I'm still convinced President Trump

[E]

is the best fit for our country in these turbulent days. Don't see anyone close on the Horizon.

[B]

Stephen says.

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Mr. Oh, why didn't you accompany President Trump to China? Because that'll work for President Trump. I could have gone as a reporter, I guess, but then I would have had to go through State Department credentialing and all kinds of stuff that, you know, I don't work for these people. I mean, it's not like I'm showing up at events. Norman, concierge member Norman will get all the help we can provide him with if anything bad happens to him. American oil companies have an enormous amount of power. I don't like it any more than anyone else, but if the government imposes strict regulations upon the oil companies, they'll just shut down their drilling operations. They could come down a little bit, they being the Department of Interior, on the oil companies. My opinion, the oil companies aren't going

[B]

to shut down in a moment. Something you might not know,

[F]

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[B]

Now, the O'Reilly Update brings you something you might not know 64 years ago tonight, politicians and celebrities gathered at New York's Madison Square Garden to mark the 45th birthday of President John F. Kennedy. The event will be remembered for one iconic moment. Marilyn Monroe's performance of the song Happy Birthday. Here is the story. Allegations of an affair between JFK and Ms. Monroe were rumored but remained unreported by the media, which was exceedingly friendly to JFK. Ms. Monroe and the President were seen together in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New York City. On May 19, 1962, Marilyn appeared on stage at Kennedy's birthday gala. She slowly approached the microphone wearing a sleeveless white dress and began to sing.

[G]

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Mr. President happy birthday to you.

[B]

Three months later, Marilyn Monroe was found dead of a drug overdose inside her Los Angeles mansion. She was just 36 years old. Several conspiracy theories surround the case. Some believe the Kennedy brothers ordered the

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actress's murder to conceal the affair.

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Others blame former husband and baseball player Joe DiMaggio. Some think angry Hollywood executives had her killed by the mob. But here's something else you might not know. On the night Marilyn Monroe serenaded jfk, the actress was considered America's biggest star. Over the course of her 15 year career, she played in 33 films. Ms. Monroe is paid $1.6 million. That's 15 million adjusted for inflation today.

[E]

Back in a moment.

[H]

Every major story has a version the news gives you and then a version that's actually true. If you're a critical thinker, if you're somebody who's not tribal, if you're somebody who just wants the facts so you can make your own decisions, keeping It Real with Jillian Michaels is the show for you. Subscribe now, wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

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