The O'Reilly Update, November 20, 2025

Summary

Podcast Summary

Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: The O'Reilly Update, November 20, 2025
Host: Bill O'Reilly
Guest Newsreader: Mike Slater

---

Overview

This episode covers major national news stories—from high-profile immigration arrests to new developments in NATO's response to Russian aggression and an intriguing update on US-Mexico trade. Bill O’Reilly delivers his “Message of the Day” on escalating “Epstein mania” as Congress moves to release sealed records. The episode closes with historical insights on Thanksgiving and a listener mailbag segment tackling border security and inflation.

---

Key Discussion Points

1. National News Roundup with Mike Slater

[00:39–03:32]

• Immigration Enforcement Surge in Charlotte

  • Operation “Charlotte’s Web”: 200 illegal aliens arrested by US Customs and Border Patrol.

    • Arrested individuals include repeat violent offenders—multiple people previously released from prison (e.g., sexual exploitation of a minor, murder, sexual battery, illegal weapons).
    • A notable case: An individual arrested for vehicle theft and burglary, “illegal alien from Honduras released into Charlotte, finally now captured by Border Patrol.” ([01:42])

  • School Attendance Plunge:

    • “Officials say that there were 21,000 students absent from school in the Charlotte area… teachers said there were only a handful of students who were in their classrooms.” ([01:54])

• Russian Strikes and NATO Response

  • NATO Jets Scrambled: Poland and Romania put on “highest alert” following a Russian air assault across Ukraine. A drone breached 5 miles into Romanian airspace.
    • Ukraine: At least 26 killed, including children, and two high-rise residential buildings destroyed.
    • “Russia’s military said they downed 80 Ukrainian drones that were launched in response.” ([02:26])

• Trade Deficit and US-Mexico Economic Shifts

  • “For the first time in at least 30 years, the United States has exported more to Mexico than Canada. Mexico is now the world’s top buyer of US goods.” ([02:36])
    • The US trade deficit fell by 24%, “the first numbers since Trump’s tariffs… went into effect in August.”

• Supersonic Jets and NFL’s European Expansion

  • NFL exploring supersonic jet travel to enable easier, quicker transport between the US and Europe.
    • “With this supersonic jet, the flight time’s cut in half: New York to London, under four hours … Boom Supersonic plans to have their first commercial jet operational by 2029.” ([03:04])

---

2. O’Reilly’s Message of the Day: “Epstein Mania”

[03:32–04:58]

• Congressional Moves on Epstein Records

  • “Epstein mania sweeping the country … the House voted 427-1 in favor of releasing Justice Department data on the now dead sex offender. The Senate voted unanimously.” ([03:40])
  • “The one dissenting vote was a Louisiana guy who apparently doesn’t have cable TV.” ([03:44])
  • The legal petition is heading to the president’s desk, with a signature likely to release the files.

• Public Perception and Impact

  • “A new Morning Consult poll says 60% of the American public already has made up its mind and it believes Donald Trump was in cahoots with Epstein or something.” ([04:04])
  • O'Reilly’s View: “The soon to be released data most likely will not crystallize anything, but it will matter because people believe what they want to believe. Facts have little relevance in a time of unbridled social media where standards do not exist.”
    • “If President Trump did anything untoward in connection with Epstein, certainly the Biden White House would have put it out there … Nevertheless, the hysteria will play out. And even if nothing is revealed by the files, folks will hold on to their preconceived notions.” ([04:23])

---

3. Listener Mailbag: Border Security and Inflation

[04:58–08:38]

• Border and Cartels — Disagreement with Listener “Tim”

  • Tim: “Secure the border. Let it go. We cannot fight Mexico’s war.”
  • O’Reilly’s Response: “That’s a little glib there, Tim. It’s not Mexico’s war. It’s killing hundreds of thousands of Americans and causing child abuse and neglect and crime … not just down there.” ([05:17])

• On Combating Drug Cartels (“Diane” and O’Reilly)

  • “The United States should have wiped out the cartels years ago. People deserve a safe place to live, work and raise their families. These proud, hard-working and faithful people have needed help for decades to avoid their heads ending up on sticks.” ([05:37])
  • O’Reilly: “Okay, but the Mexican government never wanted our help. Too much money down there spreading around.” ([05:47])

• Inflation and Price Drops (“Robert Dean” and O’Reilly)

  • Listener asks: “Do prices ever come down after a significant inflationary event?”
  • O’Reilly: “Yeah, they did. They stabilized. Took three years because Carter just blew everything up. Prices stabilized, started to come down. So they do come down. And I'm telling you, it's not conservatives, it's the Republican Party. Republican president says he's going to lower prices and prices don't get lowered. Gonna have a tough time. Just reality. Gotta live in the real world.” ([06:13])

• On Consumer Influence and Prices (“Robert Powell” and O’Reilly)

  • “If you stop buying a product, the prices go down. My parents back in the 60s stopped buying products that were overpriced and they declined.”
  • O’Reilly: “That was because everybody in the country did the same thing. But today, people want what they want … A lot of that. People buying $75 steaks, a lot of that.” ([07:07])

---

4. Thanksgiving History & Holiday Economics: “Something You Might Not Know”

[09:08–11:43]

• Origins of Thanksgiving

  • “The feast dates back to 1621. Fifty Pilgrims from the Mayflower and 90 Native Americans gathered together. And the Indian behind the celebration, Squanto … kidnapped by English explorer Thomas Hunt, brought to Spain, sold into slavery … escaped, returned, and helped the Puritans survive the harsh winter.” ([09:18])
  • “As an expression of gratitude, the settlers invited Squanto and a few Indians … for a three day feast.” ([09:46])
  • “President Abraham Lincoln made the holiday official during the Civil War.” ([09:58])

• 2025 Thanksgiving Spending

  • “Thanksgiving will be one of the most expensive on record. According to the New York Post, the average family will spend $600 next Thursday.” ([10:14])
    • Breakdown: $200 on food, $100 on drinks, $300 on travel.
    • “Folks are slimming down the guest list. 2015 … 10 family members. Now that figure has been trimmed to six.” ([10:31])

• Fun Fact

  • “Turkey wasn’t served at the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth. The original menu included deer, duck, oysters, lobster and eel. Pumpkins were consumed, but not in a pumpkin pie. Each dish was eaten with knives, spoons and fingers. Forks did not arrive in New England for another 10 years.” ([10:46])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional Votes and “Epstein Mania”:
  Bill O'Reilly (03:44): “The one dissenting vote was a Louisiana guy who apparently doesn't have cable tv.”

• On Public Belief and Facts:
  Bill O'Reilly (04:23): “Facts have little relevance in a time of unbridled social media where standards do not exist.”

• On Border Violence:
  Bill O'Reilly (05:17): “It’s not Mexico’s war. It’s killing hundreds of thousands of Americans and causing child abuse and neglect and crime and on and on and on and on. Not just down there.”

---

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Mike Slater’s news update begins | | 01:10 | Details on Charlotte's Web operation/arrests | | 02:06 | Russia-Ukraine attacks, NATO response | | 02:36 | US-Mexico trade update | | 03:04 | NFL & supersonic jets in Europe | | 03:32 | O’Reilly’s “Message of the Day” begins | | 04:58 | Listener Mailbag: Border, cartels, prices | | 09:08 | “Something You Might Not Know”—Thanksgiving |

---

Tone and Language

The tone is assertive, candid, and unfiltered—characteristic of Bill O’Reilly’s “No Spin” approach. He interweaves direct criticism, wry commentary, and a focus on factual clarity, while also challenging listener views in the mailbag segment.

---

Useful for New Listeners

This summary provides a comprehensive rundown of the week’s top stories, O’Reilly’s editorial take on a major public scandal (Epstein files), as well as digestible history and practical economic insights for the Thanksgiving holiday—all without requiring prior listening.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

If you used Babbel, you would. Babbel's conversation based techniques teaches you useful words and phrases to get you speaking quickly about the things you actually talk about in the real world. With lessons handcrafted by over 200 language experts and voiced by real native speakers, Babbel is like having a private tutor in your pocket. Start speaking with Babbel today. Get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription right now at babbel.com Spotify spelled B-A-B-B B E L.com Spotify rules and restrictions may app.

[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 Thursday, November 20, 2025. Here's this happening today in America. 200 arrested, NATO jets scrambled, trade deficit cut and supersonic is back. It's all coming up. Then Bill's gonna be here with your message of the day. But first, U.S. customs and Border Patrol arrested 200 illegal aliens. And in Charlotte, during the first weekend of its Operation Charlotte's Web, those arrested include an illegal alien arrested for first degree sexual exploitation of a minor, someone from Honduras who's been arrested for murder, another person from Honduras arrested for sexual offenses with a child. These were all people who were released from prison in Charlotte. A man from Honduras arrested for sexual battery, resisting an officer, someone from Guatemala arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. The next day after he was released, he was arrested for dwi. Someone from El Salvador arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and discharge of a weapon. All these people were released from prison. Here's one. This guy was arrested for vehicle theft, larceny, trespassing, burglary, forced entry, illegal alien from Honduras released into Charlotte finally now captured by Border Patrol. Officials say that there were 21,000 students absent from school in the Charlotte area. A Are there that many illegal aliens in Charlotte? Some teachers said there were only a handful of students who were in their classrooms. NATO fighter jets were scrambled. Ground based air defense systems put on the highest level of alert in Poland and Romania during a massive overnight attack from Russia across Ukraine. One drone was reported penetrating five miles into Romanian airspace. According to Ukraine, at least 26 people including three children were killed. Two nine story residential buildings were hit by Russia. Ukraine's air force says that Russia launched 476 drones and 48 missiles into the country overnight. Russia's military said they downed 80 Ukrainian drones that were launched in response. For the first time in at least 30 years, the United States has exported more to Mexico than Canada. Mexico is now the world's top buyer of US Goods. These are really the first numbers since Trump's tariffs around the world went into effect in August. And overall, the US trade deficit fell by 24%. Reports are that the NFL is interested in using supersonic jets to expand their market in Europe. Last January, a company called Boom Supersonic tested their plane, the XB1, the first civilian jet to break the sound barrier since the Concorde from 1976, 2003. The NFL wants to expand in Europe, but getting players back and forth takes too long. But with this supersonic jet, the flight time's cut in half. New York to London, under four hours. This could make a permanent franchise in Europe possible. The NFL has been playing a game in London since 2007. This year they added Dublin, Berlin and Madrid. Boom Supersonic plans to have their first commercial jet operational by 2029. I'm Mike Slater. From the podcast Politics by faith, Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Have you heard about Gold Belly? It's an amazing site that celebrates the best of America by shipping our country's most iconic American foods from legendary restaurants straight to your door anywhere in the usa. I just had the main lobster roll and the deep dish pizza felt like a celebration. It was good. Now this Thanksgiving, I am going to do a little pecan pie, I think, and a holiday roast. Everybody's going to be able to enjoy both of those things. Goldbelly's reliable shipping makes sharing these memorable moments easy and joyful. So if you are looking for the perfect holiday gift or want to impress your friends and family with an epic Thanksgiving, please go to goldbelly.com get 20% off your first order with promo code bill. That's goldbelly.com code bill. 20% off your first order. Great deal. Time now for the O'Reilly update. Message of the day on this Thursday. Epstein mania sweeping the country. As you may know, the House voted 427. One in favor of releasing Justice Department data on the now dead sex offender. The Senate voted unanimously. The one dissenting vote was a Louisiana guy who apparently doesn't have cable tv. Now, the legal petition will go to the president where he is likely to sign it and then all the Epstein stuff will come tumbling out. So what? Well, a new morning console poll says 60% of the American public already has made up its mind and and it believes Donald Trump was in cahoots with Epstein or something. The soon to be released data most likely will not crystallize anything, but it will matter because people believe what they want to believe. Facts have little relevance in a time of unbridled social media where standards do not exist. I know you've heard it before, but if President Trump did anything untoward in connection with Epstein, certainly the Biden White House would have put it out there. Nevertheless, the hysteria will play out. And even if nothing is revealed by the files, folks will hold on to their preconceived notions. 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. Tim says secure the border. Let it go. We cannot fight Mexico's war. We can't help. That's it. Cartels exist for one reason. They supply what is demanded. Yeah, that's, that's a little glib there, Tim. It's not Mexico's war. It's killing hundred thousands of Americans and causing child abuse and neglect and crime and on and on and on and on. Not just down there, Diane. Concierge, remember. Thank you, Diane. The United States should have wiped out the cartels years ago. People deserve a safe place to live, work and raise their families. These proud, hard working and faithful people have needed help for decades to avoid their heads ending up on sticks. Okay, but they never, the Mexican government never wanted our help. Too much money down there spreading around. Robert Dean, Erie, Colorado. Enjoy the no Spin news. I'm confused, Mr. O'Reilly, by your constant drumbeat about prices. They have to come down for conservatives to remain in the majority. Do prices ever come down after a significant inflationary event? Did prices come down after Reagan became president? Yeah, they did. They stabilized. Took three years because Carter just blew everything up. Prices stabilized, started to come down. So they do come down. And I'm telling you, it's not conservatives, it's the Republican Party. Republican president says he's going to lower prices and prices don't get lowered. Going to have a tough time. Just reality. Got to live in the real world. Robert Powell, a meeting in New York. Bill, you're absolutely right about how to get companies to lower their prices. If you stop buying a product, the prices go down. My parents back in the 60s stopped buying products that were overpriced and they declined. That was because everybody in country did the same thing. But today, people want what they want. A lot of that. People buying a $75 stakes, a lot of that. In a moment, something you might not know.

[Blink Advertisement Voice]

This episode is Brought to you by Blink. Why wait for Black Friday? Blink Friday starts now with up to 65% off Blink Smart security check on your pets all season long with new Blink Mini 2K cameras. See your gifts arrive in head to toe view with Blink Video doorbell. From pet parents to jet setters to busy families, Blink Friday deals have your holidays covered. Shop [e-mail] blink now.

[Bill O'Reilly]

The O'Reilly update brings you something you might not know. Thanksgiving a week away. The big meal associated with turkey, pumpkin pie, football. But the origin behind the holiday is very interesting. Here is the story. The feast dates back to 1621. Fifty Pilgrims from the Mayflower and 90 Native Americans gathered together. And the Indian behind the celebration, squanto. Born in 1580 near Plymouth, Massachusetts. He was kidnapped by English explorer Thomas Hunt, who brought Squanto to Spain where he was sold into slavery. But he escaped, returning to North America in 1619. His entire tribe had been wiped out by smallpox. Now fluent in English, Squanto helped the Puritans survive the harsh winter months. As an expression of gratitude, the settlers invited Squanto and a few Indians who survived for a three day feast. The first Thanksgiving. Then President Abraham Lincoln made the holiday official during the Civil War. War. This year, Thanksgiving will be one of the most expensive on record. According to a report published by the New York Post, the average family will spend $600 next Thursday. That includes 200 bucks on food, another 100 on drinks, 300 on travel, car rentals, gas, flights. Got to get there, right? Gotta go to grandma's house. Well, save money. Folks are slimming down the guest list. 2015, the typical American Thanksgiving celebration featured 10 family members. Now that figure has been trimmed to six. And here's something else you might not know. The holiday's most iconic dish, turkey, wasn't served at the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth. The original menu included deer, duck, oysters, lobster and eel. Pumpkins were consumed, but not in a pumpkin pot. Each dish was eaten with knives, spoons and fingers. Forks did not arrive in New England for another 10 years. Back in a moment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This is a real good story about Bronx and his dad, Ryan, real United Airlines customers.

[Mike Slater]

We were returning home and one of the flight attendants asked Bronx if he wanted to see the flight deck and meet Captain Andrew.

[United Airlines Pilot / Ryan Reynolds (continued)]

I got to see in the driver's seat. I grew up in an aviation family and seeing Bronx kind of reminded me of myself when I was that age.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's Andrew, a real United pilot.

[United Airlines Pilot / Ryan Reynolds (continued)]

These small interactions can shape a kid's future.

[Bill O'Reilly]

It felt like I was the captain.

[Mike Slater]

Allowing my son to see the flight deck will stick with us forever.

[United Airlines Pilot / Ryan Reynolds (continued)]

That's how good leads the way.

[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.

[United Airlines Pilot / Ryan Reynolds (continued)]

Hey, Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a very happy half off holiday because right now Mint Mobile is offering you the gift of 50% off unlimited. To be clear, that's half price, not half the service. Mint is still premium unlimited wireless for a great price. So that means half day.

[Bill O'Reilly]

Yeah.

[United Airlines Pilot / Ryan Reynolds (continued)]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Of $45 for a free month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow, 135 gigabytes of networks busy. Taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com.