Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Episode: The O'Reilly Update, October 18, 2025
Host: Bill O'Reilly
Special Contributions: Mike Slater (News Segment)

Episode Overview

This weekend edition of The O'Reilly Update delivers a fact-driven recap of major news stories in the U.S. and around the world, along with Bill O’Reilly’s signature “Message of the Day.” The episode covers high-profile indictments, international diplomacy, immigration enforcement controversies, historic arrests against antifa, and a deep-dive analogy between President Trump’s leadership and those of Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt. The show closes with listener mail, insightful historical trivia, and O’Reilly’s forthright commentary.

Key News Highlights with Mike Slater

(00:40 - 03:31)

John Bolton Indictment

• Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has been indicted on 18 counts by a federal grand jury.
  • Charges: 8 counts of transmission and 10 counts of retention of national defense info, including human intelligence and covert action programs—from April 2018 to August 2025.
  • Allegedly shared over 1,000 pages of classified material with two unauthorized individuals.
  • Pam Bondi: “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.” (01:31)

Trump-Putin Meeting Announced

• Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Trump: “See if they can bring this inglorious war between Russia and Ukraine to an end.” (02:12)
  • Trump is also pressuring India to halt Russian oil purchases.

ICE Arrest of Illegal Alien Police Officer

• ICE arrested an undocumented immigrant serving as a police officer in Hanover Park, near Chicago.
  • Had overstayed a tourist visa by 10 years.
  • DHS reminded the public it’s a felony for undocumented persons to carry firearms.
  • Kristi Noem: “Radical sanctuary politicians have allowed criminal illegal aliens to infiltrate our school districts, communities and even police departments.” (02:56)

First Federal Antifa Terrorism Charges

• Two alleged antifa members indicted after attacking a Texas ICE facility on July 4th.
  • Kash Patel: “First time ever, the FBI has arrested anarchist violent extremists and charged these antifa aligned individuals with material support for terrorism.” (03:13)

The O’Reilly “Message of the Day”

(04:57 – 07:18)

Trump’s Governing Style in Perspective

• O’Reilly compares Trump's style to Andrew Jackson & Theodore Roosevelt:
  • “Mr. Trump is governing as a strongman leader who gets things done by using naked power.” (05:13)
  • Middle East leaders, the Chinese, and Putin “respect unbridled authority,” while many Americans mistrust even legal displays of authoritarian leadership.
  • Obama, Biden, Bush were “rather conventional and at times timid.”
  • “Donald Trump completely rejects that approach. He is the king of swagger as well as a very impatient man. Get it done. We’ll find a way to keep it legal.” (06:05)
  • Despite polarizing style, Trump has “shaken up the entire world in less than a year.”

Mailbag: Listener Opinions & O’Reilly’s Responses

(07:19 – 09:46)

• Phil King (St Charles, MO): Frustration with peace deals in the Middle East never lasting.
  • O’Reilly: “Radicals want to kill all Israelis and will never stop… but you still got to make the deal when you can save lives.” (07:34)
• William (Concierge member): Asks about Obama being negative on Trump’s Middle East successes.
  • O’Reilly: “He was not negative. He just didn’t credit Donald Trump. Likes the deal but didn’t mention Donald Trump.” (08:00)
• Steve A: Praises Trump’s stamina for international diplomacy and domestic engagements.
  • O’Reilly: “He is the hardest working president in history and it’s not even close really.” (08:42)
• John (Florida): Wonders why ex-presidents Clinton and Bush haven’t commented on Trump’s achievements.
  • O’Reilly: “Bill Clinton did… Nobody’s heard from George W. Bush. It’s very strange. He doesn’t like Trump, I understand.” (09:19)

“Something You Might Not Know”: The Story of Nero

(10:09 – 12:44)

• Historical Segment: The rise and downfall of Roman Emperor Nero, who ascended after his mother Agrippina poisoned Emperor Claudius with laced mushrooms in 54 AD.
  • Infamous incidents: Execution of close family, “psychotic reign of terror,” the burning of Rome, forced marriage of his male servant.
  • “Nero dead at the age of 30. The expression ‘Nero fiddled while Rome burned’ is not accurate—the fiddle would not be invented for another 800 years. Eyewitnesses claim the sadistic Nero was drinking wine and singing as Rome was engulfed by flames.” (12:32)

Notable Quotes

• Pam Bondi on the Bolton indictment:
  “No one is above the law.” (01:31)

• Donald Trump on the Putin meeting:
  “See if they can bring this inglorious war between Russia and Ukraine to an end.” (02:12)

• Kristi Noem on illegal immigrants in law enforcement:
  “Radical sanctuary politicians have allowed criminal illegal aliens to infiltrate our school districts, communities and even police departments.” (02:56)

• O’Reilly on Trump’s leadership:
  “He is the king of swagger as well as a very impatient man. Get it done. We’ll find a way to keep it legal.” (06:05)

Tone and Style

• Direct, unapologetic, and assertive—O’Reilly maintains his characteristic “no spin” approach.
• Contributors and listeners add diversity of opinion, often echoing concerns about political accountability, leadership style, and public safety.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:40 – 03:31: National/International News with Mike Slater
• 04:57 – 07:18: Message of the Day – O’Reilly's comparison of Trump’s governing style
• 07:19 – 09:46: Listener mailbag and O’Reilly’s responses
• 10:09 – 12:44: “Something You Might Not Know” (Nero and Ancient Rome)

This episode is packed with political analysis, breaking legal news, and O’Reilly’s sharp commentary. It’s an engaging listen for anyone seeking a decisive perspective on current events—delivered with O’Reilly’s trademark frankness and historical flair.