On September 9, 2025, Fox News viewers were left reeling when Dana Perino, her voice quaking, announced live on The Five that Emily Compagno would replace her, marking this month as her final one at the network. The bombshell, delivered without warning, silenced co-hosts Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters and sparked a frenzy on X (#PerinoExit), with fans demanding answers: Was Perino pushed out? Did she choose to leave? Or is a hidden power struggle roiling Fox’s inner workings? This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a seismic shift that could reshape Fox News forever.

Perino, a mainstay since 2009 and former White House press secretary, has been a cornerstone of The Five and America’s Newsroom. Her sudden exit, coupled with Compagno’s rise—a vibrant Outnumbered co-host and legal commentator—has fueled speculation. Some X users claim Perino clashed with network brass over editorial direction, citing her August 2025 on-air meltdown over Gavin Newsom’s social media tactics. Others suggest she’s pursuing a new venture, possibly her Perino on Politics podcast expansion. Compagno, praised for her dynamic presence, is expected to bring a bolder edge, but fans worry she can’t match Perino’s nuanced calm.

The timing raises eyebrows, following recent Fox shakeups like Sandra Smith’s addition to The Five. Insiders hint at a strategic pivot to energize younger viewers, but at what cost? “Dana was the heart of the show,” one fan posted on X. Critics argue Compagno’s fiery style could tilt the panel’s balance, risking its top-rated status. As Perino’s final days loom, the question lingers: Is this a voluntary exit or a forced ousting? Fox News’ future hangs in the balance, and viewers are braced for more shocks.