Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

The O'Reilly Update, November 24, 2025

Host: Bill O'Reilly
Guest Newsreader: Mike Slater

Episode Overview

This episode highlights pressing international and domestic developments, including updates on the US’s involvement in Ukraine, political controversies at home, and a cold weather alert. Bill O’Reilly shares news of his latest book, discusses Hollywood’s current woes, and addresses listener questions on communism, tariffs, and the war on drugs. The historical segment recounts the Blitz and the origin of "Keep Calm and Carry On."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Diplomacy and Ukraine Peace Talks

(00:39 - 01:26)

• Summary: The US held significant meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called these exchanges “the most productive and meaningful meetings we've had so far in this entire process.”
• Insight: The US has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine; however, President Trump criticizes Ukraine for showing "zero gratitude" and points out that "Europe continues to buy oil from Russia."
• Ukrainian Response: The head of Ukraine’s Defense Council expresses appreciation for American partnership. Future talks with Russian officials are planned but unscheduled.

Notable Quote:

"Our secretary of State, Marco Rubio said these were probably the most productive and meaningful meetings we've had so far in this entire process..." – Mike Slater (00:49)

2. Oval Office Meeting: Zoran Mamdani and the President

(01:26 - 02:01)

• Summary: Zoran Mamdani, after meeting the president in the Oval Office, reaffirms his statement labeling the president as a fascist when asked on "Meet the Press."
• Presidential Interjection: Trump, present during a similar question, reportedly responded, “That’s okay. You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it.”
• Public Safety Consensus: Mamdani emphasizes a mutual goal of public safety and affordability, indicating the NYPD’s role.

Notable Moment:

"He was standing right next to the president and he started answering in a very diplomatic way. And the president said that's okay. You can just say yes. It's easier than explaining it. I don't mind." – Mike Slater (01:48)

3. Political Outrage and Controversy Over Military Obedience

(02:01 - 02:44)

• Background: Members of Congress, led by Michigan senator Alyssa Slotkin, suggest military officers should not follow illegal orders.
• Slotkin’s Clarification: “To my knowledge, I’m not aware of things that are illegal, but certainly there are some legal gymnastics that are going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela.”
• Presidential Reaction: Trump lashes out on social media, calling such statements “sedition at the highest level” and demanding accountability.

Notable Quote:

“The traitors that told the military to disobey my orders should be in jail right now, not roaming the fake news networks...” – read by Mike Slater quoting the President’s social post (02:28)

4. Weather Alert: Polar Vortex

(02:44 - 03:07)

• Insight: With a weak polar vortex, expect colder-than-normal temperatures for most of the country after Thanksgiving.

Quote:

"It is polar vortex time... The week after Thanksgiving, it's going to be below normal cold for most of the country." – Mike Slater (02:55)

5. Bill O’Reilly’s Message of the Day — Book & Hollywood Update

(03:26 - 05:20)

• Book Success: O'Reilly’s new book, "Confronting Evil," ranks #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and has been sold for a movie adaptation.
• Production Notes: O’Reilly discusses bringing in a major Hollywood name as the narrator, noting the current employment slump for performers due to fewer film and TV productions.
• Industry Commentary: Comments on the turbulent film streaming landscape and sparse theatrical releases.

Notable Quote:

“We're looking around for another big name narrator now in Hollywood… There's a lot of very skilled performers out of work in Hollywood, unemployed.” – Bill O’Reilly (04:05)

6. Listener Mailbag

(05:20 - 08:55)

Selected Questions & Responses:

• Communism in Politics (Jane Conway, Grover, MO)
  • Q: How can someone run as a communist?
  • A (O’Reilly): "Communism is not illegal in this country, Jane. You can be a communist and that falls under the First Amendment, so there's no law against it." (05:41)
• Tariff Transparency (Wolfgang Nerd, VA)
  • Q: Can you update on tariffs and their use?
  • A (O’Reilly): "How could I possibly do that? Treasury Department doesn't say where the funds are going... I can't get into the Treasury Department's books." (06:37)
• On Drug War Spending (Greg Sheriff, CA)
  • Q: Are we spending too much on Trump's War on Drugs?
  • A (O’Reilly): “How much money are they spending again? How would I know?... I'm going to call Hagset. How much money spending blowing those people out of the Caribbean?” (07:25)
• Optimism for the Future (Jack Derrickson, NV)
  • O'Reilly shares a listener's anecdote about a teenager reading his books and gaining historical insight, expressing hope for the next generation.

7. Historical Segment: The Blitz and “Keep Calm and Carry On”

(08:58 - 11:37)

• Key Facts:
  • 85 years ago: The German Luftwaffe dropped 30,000 tons of bombs on the UK, destroying 2 million homes.
  • London and historic landmarks heavily damaged; 40,000 civilians killed.
  • The Blitz did not break Britain’s spirit; instead, it gave rise to the famous motivational phrase.
• Iconic Phrase Origin:
  • The slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” was distributed across London to boost morale.

Notable Quote:

"The Blitz created one of the most iconic phrases in the English language... 'Keep calm and carry on.' A good one to ponder today." – Bill O'Reilly (11:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You can be a communist and that falls under the First Amendment, so there's no law against it.” – Bill O'Reilly (05:49)
• “There are some really smart urchins. I don't fear for the future that much. I think we'll turn around like we always do.” – Bill O'Reilly (06:12)
• "People think that like I have a magic wand here." – Bill O’Reilly (06:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |--------------------------------|-------------| | US Diplomacy & Ukraine | 00:39 | | Oval Office, Zoran Mamdani | 01:26 | | Alyssa Slotkin & Military | 02:01 | | Polar Vortex Alert | 02:44 | | Book/Movie & Hollywood Commentary | 03:26 | | Listener Mailbag | 05:20 | | The Blitz & Phrase Origin | 08:58 |

Tone and Language

• O'Reilly’s tone is conversational, direct, and at times sardonic, especially when addressing listener questions.
• The coverage of facts is brisk, commentary-driven, and peppered with O'Reilly’s personal insights and anecdotes.

This summary offers a comprehensive yet concise guide to the November 24, 2025 episode of The O’Reilly Update, capturing its major news stories, commentary, and points of historical interest for those who missed the broadcast.