Fox News, a staple in American cable news, has announced a sweeping reshuffle of its weekend programming, effective the week of September 20, 2025—changes that come as the network adapts to a rapidly shifting political and media landscape. The announcement, made on September 10 and reported by USA TODAY, details a new lineup that not only reflects recent political appointments but also coincides with significant developments in U.S. national security policy, particularly in the Caribbean.
At the heart of Fox News’ shakeup is the replacement of Pete Hegseth, who left his television post to take on the role of U.S. Secretary of Defense. In his stead, former Trump White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany will helm a new two-hour program titled "Saturday in America," airing at 10 a.m. ET. McEnany, who has cohosted "Outnumbered" since joining Fox after her White House tenure, brings her signature media style to the new show. Her approach has left a mark on the network and even influenced her successor, current White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, as noted by USA TODAY.
Alongside McEnany’s debut, Griff Jenkins is set to step in as the third cohost on "Fox & Friends Weekend," airing from 6 to 10 a.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays. Jenkins, a familiar face on Fox, will fill the seat vacated by Hegseth, now tasked with leading the Pentagon. The network’s weekend mornings are also getting a fresh face with senior White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich alternating as solo hosts of "The Sunday Briefing" at 11 a.m. ET, a move that promises to inject new energy and perspectives into Fox’s political coverage.
Meanwhile, "The Big Weekend Show" is expanding to a three-hour format, running from 5 to 8 p.m. ET on weekends. The expanded panel will feature retired Marine Johnny Joey Jones and conservative commentator Tomi Lahren among its four new co-hosts, a decision that underscores Fox’s commitment to a blend of military experience and outspoken analysis in its prime-time slots.
These programming changes, while significant in their own right, unfolded against the backdrop of major news in both the media and political worlds. In November of the previous year, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, a move that was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. Trump’s statement at the time pulled no punches: "With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down." Hegseth’s confirmation in January 2025 was a close call, passing by a 51-50 vote with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie, as reported by USA TODAY.
The timing of Fox’s lineup overhaul is notable for another reason: it was announced just before the tragic September 10 shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Trump ally, at a Utah Valley University campus event. Kirk, only 31 and a recent guest cohost of "Fox & Friends Weekend," was remembered for his energetic style and devotion to conservative causes. A poignant behind-the-scenes video, shared after his death, captured Kirk’s daughter running into his arms on the iconic Fox set, a reminder of the personal stories behind the headlines.
Parallel to these media developments, the U.S. military has been escalating its presence in the Caribbean, with Puerto Rico at the center of new operations. On September 8, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine made an unannounced visit to Puerto Rico as the U.S. increased its military actions against drug cartels in the region, according to The Associated Press. Their arrival followed the deployment of hundreds of U.S. Marines to the island for what officials described as training exercises, though the scale and intent of the operations have sparked debate.
In a video posted from aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Hegseth addressed the Marines, declaring, "Make no mistake about it, what you’re doing right now is not training. This is the real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interest of the United States of America to end the poisoning of the American people." He went on to say, "The American people are counting on you to ensure the American homeland is kept safe. Narco terrorists and drug traffickers are on notice." These remarks, cited by AP, underscore the seriousness with which the administration views the threat of drug trafficking and its commitment to a robust military response.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González expressed gratitude for the heightened federal attention, stating, "We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolás Maduro." According to González, the island plays a crucial role as a U.S. border in the Caribbean, and the ongoing Marine presence is vital to combating transnational threats.
Yet, not all Puerto Ricans are on board with this increased military footprint. Memories of the U.S. Navy’s controversial use of local islands as training ranges linger, with some residents wary of history repeating itself. On September 7, dozens gathered at the National Guard base in Carolina, holding signs reading “No to War” and “No to military bases in P.R.” Sonia Santiago Hernández, founder of Mothers Against War, voiced the concerns of many: "We denounce the existence of military bases in Puerto Rico." Organizers cautioned against using the island as a staging ground for broader U.S. military action in the region.
Recent operations have included amphibious training and flight maneuvers by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, with more than 1,000 Marines estimated to be on the island. The U.S. is also preparing to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to intensify efforts against drug cartels. The U.S. Marine Corps emphasized the strategic value of Puerto Rico’s challenging terrain and climate, stating that it "provides an ideal environment for the 22nd MEU to conduct realistic amphibious training and hone specialized skills such as patrolling, reconnaissance and survival techniques, ensuring a high level of readiness while forward deployed."
This military buildup comes in the wake of a high-profile U.S. strike on September 2, 2025, in the southern Caribbean. The operation targeted a vessel suspected of carrying drugs and operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, resulting in eleven deaths. While Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister praised the strike, other Caribbean leaders have urged caution, seeking open lines of communication with the U.S. to avoid surprises, as detailed by AP.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, meanwhile, has pushed back against U.S. accusations, insisting the country is not a major player in global drug trafficking and accusing the U.S. of political manipulation. "There’s a lot of hypocrisy, a lot of double standards, a lot of political manipulation of this issue to attack, to intervene, to aim for regime change in countries that aren’t sympathetic," Rodríguez told reporters.
As Fox News navigates its own internal changes, the intersection of media, politics, and military strategy is on full display. With a new cast of hosts, a Defense Secretary fresh from the anchor desk, and Puerto Rico at the center of U.S. anti-narcotics operations, the coming weeks are likely to see both the network and the nation grappling with the complex realities of security, sovereignty, and public trust.
The convergence of these events—media realignment, political appointments, and military escalation—signals a period of profound transition for both Fox News and the U.S. response to global threats, with Puerto Rico standing as a focal point in the ongoing battle against transnational crime.