EXCLUSIVE — Fox News’s Steve Doocy revealed his biggest takeaway from a recent road trip across the nation and explained what celebrating America 250 means to Fox & Friends.
“America looks a whole lot different when you experience it through a windshield instead of a headline,” Doocy told the Washington Examiner.
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Doocy, who’s been with Fox & Friends since 1998, concluded a monthslong “For All America” RV road trip with his co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones on Friday, after traveling across the country to visit veterans, small business owners, and all who have made an impact on their communities.
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“Over the past few months, we covered more than 2,400 miles, stopping in towns where people were eager to share their stories, show off their hometowns, and remind us what makes this country special,” Doocy said.
In April, Fox joined Camping World CEO Matthew Wagner in launching a giveaway in conjunction with the road trip, where individuals could enter into the sweepstakes for a chance to win a Thor Freedom Traveler RV from Camping World.
Georgia couple Kenneth and Tara Smith, along with the five runners-up, were each gifted an RV on Friday’s episode.
“Everybody wins a camper!” Doocy said on the live broadcast.
“I feel like Oprah!” He exclaimed. “You get a camper, you get a camper, you get a camper, you get a camper!”
Biggest takeaway from traveling across the country
Doocy described to the Washington Examiner the conversations he had with the people he met while traveling across the country, highlighting that those connections are what he will remember most.
“Everywhere we went, people talked about freedom — not as some abstract idea, but as something they live every day,” Doocy said. “Whether it was a veteran, a small business owner, a family dreaming about taking an RV across the country, or someone who simply wanted to shake our hands, the message was the same: People are optimistic. They love their communities, they’re proud to be Americans, and they believe our best days are still ahead … The giveaway became a reason to gather, but the connections we made along the way are what I’ll remember most.”
Favorite place to visit
When asked which state or community was his favorite place to visit and why, Doocy said, “That’s like asking me to pick a favorite grandchild … You just don’t do it.
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“What stood out wasn’t one particular place; it was the people,” he continued. “Folks welcomed us like we’d known each other for years. After nearly 30 years on Fox & Friends, I can’t tell you how many people came up and said, ‘I feel like you’re part of our family.’ That’s one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive. Whether we were in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, or anywhere else along the route, the common thread was hometown pride. People weren’t looking for their 15 minutes of fame — they wanted to celebrate where they live and remind the rest of the country that America’s small towns are still the heartbeat of this nation.”
Takeaway for contest winners and Fox & Friends viewers
Doocy told the Washington Examiner that gifting six families with the RVs was “one of the most rewarding moments” he’s had on television. He also mentioned that the point wasn’t about the prizes; it was about people wanting to spend more time with their families and make memories with the people they love.
For viewers, Doocy hoped they had the same discovery he and his co-workers did.
“Don’t overlook the places between the big cities,” he said. “Some of the greatest stories, the kindest people, and the strongest sense of community are found in the small towns we visited. This trip reminded all of us that America is at its best when we’re connected to one another.”
Fox & Friends America 250 initiative
“Fox & Friends has always believed that if you want to understand America, you have to get out and meet Americans,” Doocy said. He added that America’s 250th birthday gave them “the opportunity to celebrate that story on a national stage.”
“For us, America 250 has never been just a birthday. It’s been a chance to remind people what unites us,” Doocy said.
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“After traveling thousands of miles and meeting so many remarkable Americans, I’m convinced the future is in good hands,” he said. “We made it to 250 years, and if the people we met are any indication, the next 250 are going to be pretty exciting, too.”
Fox has also broadcast several other programs as part of its initiative to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, highlighting U.S. businesses and their communities.
These segments include: “Only in America,” “Main Street 250: Cities That Shaped America,” “America’s Modern Giants,” and “Taste of 250: Historic Taverns.”
