Viewers Call for Fox News to Give Bill Melugin a Permanent Anchor Role After Standout Performance

Fox News viewers are making their voices heard—and they’re loud and clear: They want Bill Melugin on their screens full-time.

On Thursday morning, Melugin stepped in as a guest anchor on America’s Newsroom, filling in for the absent Bill Hemmer. What began as a routine substitution quickly turned into a breakout moment for the award-winning journalist, whose performance drew widespread praise from fans and media colleagues alike.

A Fresh Face with Serious Credibility

Melugin, already well-known for his hard-hitting field reporting—particularly on immigration and border issues—seemed to seamlessly transition from the field to the anchor desk.

Social media lit up almost immediately after the broadcast began. One user on X (formerly Twitter) declared, “I really like Bill Melugin. He is such a breath of fresh air!” Another chimed in with a direct appeal to Fox News executives: “Do your organization a favor and give Melugin more airtime!”

Fans not only praised his professionalism and journalistic demeanor but also complimented his appearance. Comments like “Very handsome,” and “Gorgeous head of hair,” flooded the platform alongside more serious endorsements of his interviewing style and on-screen presence.

One viewer summed it up perfectly: “Bill Melugin, you are very impressive! You definitely fit right in with the Fox News vets. You’re wise in your commentary and not afraid to push back!”

Holding His Own with Fox News Heavyweights

Throughout the two-hour broadcast, Melugin sat alongside veteran anchor Dana Perino and held in-depth discussions with high-profile guests. One of the most talked-about segments of the day featured a roundtable with political analyst Brit Hume, who weighed in on a brewing controversy involving Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During the segment, Hume offered his take on comments made by Hegseth, who had publicly criticized the media’s coverage of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Hegseth accused journalists of reporting on leaked intelligence and failing to properly credit the Biden administration for what he called “one of the most successful covert missions in years.”

Hegseth didn’t stop there. In a surprising twist, he took direct aim at Fox News’ own Pentagon correspondent, Jennifer Griffin, labeling her “the worst” and accusing her of intentionally misrepresenting the administration’s actions.

The attack stunned many in the newsroom, especially given Griffin’s widely respected reputation for accuracy and professionalism.

Standing Up for a Colleague

Brit Hume wasted no time coming to Griffin’s defense during the live broadcast with Melugin and Perino.

“An attack she certainly, in my view, did not deserve,” Hume said firmly. “Her professionalism, her knowledge, and her experience at the Pentagon are unmatched.”

Hume went on to add, “I have had and still have the greatest regard for her. The attack on her was unfair.”

Melugin handled the tense topic with notable poise, guiding the conversation and ensuring both Hume’s comments and Griffin’s side of the story were clearly represented. His balanced approach did not go unnoticed by viewers or media insiders.

One producer at Fox reportedly remarked off-camera, “Bill showed today that he’s not just a great field reporter—he’s anchor material.”

Rising Star at Fox News

Melugin’s star at Fox News has been steadily rising over the past few years. Known for his dogged reporting on immigration and crime, he’s often been at the center of major national stories. His on-the-ground coverage from the U.S.-Mexico border has earned him multiple Emmy awards and national recognition.

However, until now, Melugin had mostly stayed out of the anchor chair, focusing on investigative reporting and live field hits.

Thursday’s performance may change that.

Industry watchers say Fox News has been quietly exploring ways to refresh its daytime lineup, and Melugin’s strong showing could put him squarely in consideration for a permanent role.

“He brings journalistic credibility and a sharp, calm presence,” said one former network executive. “That’s a valuable combination, especially in this current media climate.”

Audience Demand Grows

By Thursday afternoon, #BillMelugin was trending among political and media circles on X. Viewers continued to flood Fox News’ social channels with calls for him to have a more permanent presence on the network.

One post read: “Bill Melugin needs his own hour. This guy is a star in the making.”

Another added: “We need more level-headed voices like Bill on daytime news. Give him the slot!”

Some fans even suggested pairing him regularly with Dana Perino, calling the duo “a perfect balance of experience and fresh perspective.”

What’s Next for Melugin?

While Fox News hasn’t commented officially on Melugin’s future with America’s Newsroom or other anchor roles, internal sources suggest that network executives were pleased with audience engagement during Thursday’s broadcast.

Melugin himself hasn’t made any public statements about the social media campaign building around him. True to his reporter roots, he returned to field coverage later in the day, filing updates on border enforcement measures from Texas.

For now, viewers will have to wait and see whether their calls for more Melugin airtime translate into a permanent assignment. But one thing is clear: Thursday’s performance was more than just a fill-in job—it was a career-defining moment.

As one fan aptly put it: “Fox, don’t miss this chance. Bill Melugin is the real deal.”