Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly is encouraging President Donald Trump to slow down and take some time to recharge, arguing that even amid major national and international challenges, the president would benefit from stepping away briefly.
During Wednesday’s edition of his No Spin News podcast, the 76-year-old commentator reflected on his decades-long friendship with Trump and offered what he described as sincere advice for the 80-year-old president.
O’Reilly said he has known Trump for roughly 35 years, dating back to when they first met in New York City. Looking back on those years, he noted that Trump has naturally changed with age, pointing to what he described as the president beginning to hunch over slightly.
According to O’Reilly, those physical changes are simply part of getting older.
“As you get older,” O’Reilly said, “every malady in the world is going to visit you.”
The longtime broadcaster briefly turned the focus to his own health, explaining that he has been dealing with various medical issues and undergoing blood tests. He admitted that he had recently found himself feeling sorry for himself, something he said he normally does not do.
Despite discussing his own experiences, O’Reilly quickly returned to the subject of the president, saying his primary concern was that Trump should take time to rest.
His recommendation was straightforward.
“My advice to Donald Trump is to take the next month off,” O’Reilly said, adding that if the president could spend time in an environment where he enjoys playing golf and relaxing, it would be beneficial.
While acknowledging that Trump continues to face serious responsibilities, including dealing with Iran, O’Reilly argued that the president could still manage those duties without maintaining such a demanding pace.
“You got to deal with Iran. I understand that. Everybody understands it,” O’Reilly said. “But you can do that on the phone and you can do that with your people coming.”
He maintained that the president needs “a breather,” suggesting that stepping back for a short period could help him recharge before returning to the demands of office.
O’Reilly also noted that he plans to take time off himself during August, saying he intends to build a break into his own schedule. Even so, he argued that Trump has a greater need for rest than he does.
“I need a breather,” O’Reilly said. “But he needs a breather much more than I do.”
Closing his remarks, O’Reilly broadened his comments beyond Trump, saying he wishes the best not only for the current president but for all who have served in the office.
While doing so, he stumbled over former President Joe Biden’s name before mentioning him alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter.
O’Reilly concluded by emphasizing that he has always respected the presidency itself, regardless of who occupies the office, saying he has consistently respected the institution throughout the years.
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