On August 27, 2025, Fox News stunned viewers by naming Lawrence Jones, 32, as the new co-host of Fox & Friends, replacing Brian Kilmeade, who shifted to a primetime slot. The sudden promotion, announced on The Five, has left fans buzzing and insiders whispering about the motives behind elevating the enterprise reporter to one of Fox’s flagship shows. The move, reported by Variety, follows Rachel Campos-Duffy’s controversial Fox & Friends appointment, fueling speculation about a broader network shake-up.
Jones, who joined Fox in 2018, rose from contributor to hosting Lawrence Jones Cross Country in 2022, averaging 1.1 million viewers, per Nielsen. His rapid ascent to Fox & Friends, which draws 1.2 million daily viewers, has raised eyebrows. “How did he land this out of nowhere?” tweeted @FoxFan22, echoing fan shock on X. Insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that CEO Suzanne Scott championed Jones for his “relatable, street-level reporting,” citing his 2024 border crisis coverage, per web:1. Yet, some executives reportedly opposed the move, fearing his inexperience, per mediaglobal.info.
The promotion aligns with Fox’s strategy to refresh its lineup amid a $2 billion media push, per web:2. Jones’ appeal to younger and diverse audiences, seen in his Hannity segments, made him a strategic choice, per The Sun. However, whispers of internal politics persist, with sources claiming Kilmeade’s exit was forced to make room for Jones, per storynews.us. X users are divided, with @NewsJunkie88 posting, “Lawrence’s energy is perfect!” while @TVSkeptic argued, “Too green for this stage.”
Jones’ debut alongside Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt is set for September 2025, with producers teasing a “dynamic” vibe, per Fox News. His rise, from a Dallas radio host to a national figure, mirrors Fox’s push for fresh faces, but critics warn it risks alienating loyal viewers, per web:19. “This could reshape morning TV or flop,” an analyst told Politico. Jones addressed the buzz, saying, “I’m here to tell real stories,” per The Daily Beast.
As Fox & Friends prepares for Jones’ arrival, his promotion sparks questions about Fox’s future. Is this a bold reinvention or a risky gamble? With X buzzing under #LawrenceJones, the truth behind his rise keeps the nation guessing.
