Guy Fieri might the self-styled expert on diners, drive-ins and dives, but Lawrence Jones could probably give that spiky-haired chef a run for his Donkey Sauce. The Fox & Friends co-host is a dine-in diner regular courtesy of the Fox News morning show’s popular Breakfast with Friends segment, which sends him to eateries across the country to take the temperature of how voters are feeling—and see the variety of morning meals they’re consuming.
But it isn’t all chocolate chip pancakes and eggs over easy for Jones. Back on the Fox & Friends couch in New York, the 31-year-old recently celebrated his one year anniversary as part of the AM team that includes Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade. And the past 12 months have seen him cover major news events from the summer’s two political conventions to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
During the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Jones interviewed transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg in an occasionally combative conversation that went viral. Like MSNBC anchor Ari Melber, though, Jones welcomes spirited debate with subjects who might sit on the other side of the aisle from his own libertarian beliefs.
In the latest edition of TVNewser’s “5 Questions For…” feature, Jones shares his “number one goal” for any interview and reveals what would be on the menu if he were cooking up a Breakfast with Friends meal.
From l to r: Jones, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade
1. What are the Top 3 rules you follow when interviewing Democrats? Either personal rules or rules you establish with them before they come on.
The party identity of the person I am asking the question to is irrelevant. My number one goal is to get answers for the audience that I serve. Before the interview I try to get to know the person as an individual because the interview is never personal. I also always try to do my best to leave on a high note—even in a tough interview.
2. The Federal Reserve interest rate cut is among the big stories of the current news cycle. What’s the one question you’d most want to ask Fed chair Jerome Powell?
How possible is the American Dream for young Americans with inflation rates being so high?
3. You had your own weekend show before joining Fox & Friends. What are the ingredients that go into crafting an ideal weekend story versus a weekday story?
Most of your favorite stories are already covered during the weekday. A weekend story is an opportunity to go deeper into the humanity of the story. The weekend is a time for more lighthearted stories mixed in with the important news of the week.
4. You’re one of the youngest hosts currently on cable television. If you got the chance to meet your future self, what’s something you’d want him to know about this period in your career?
My mom has a saying where she says to always enjoy the journey. I never really listened to herself before but now I understand it better. I would want my future self to know it’s okay to slow down and appreciate the present.
5. You and your crew are trapped overnight in a diner before a Breakfast with Friends segment and it’s on you to make breakfast. What five dishes are you serving?
I would make a bacon meat lovers omelet, biscuits and gravy, blueberry pancakes, and cinnamon roll French toast. And since I am trapped, after the show ends, I would need to wash it all down with a couple passionfruit mimosas.
