It was the week of July 21, 2025, and viewers of America’s Newsroom and The Five noticed something odd—Dana Perino, one of Fox News’s most recognizable and busiest on-air personalities, had disappeared from the lineup. The absence was conspicuous, prompting speculation across social media and fan communities: Where did she go? Is this more than just a summer hiatus?

Perino was scheduled to anchor America’s Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer and co-host The Five, while also releasing new episodes of her Perino on Politics podcast and promoting her best-selling book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me—yet she was nowhere to be seen that week. Her silence did not go unnoticed.

1. Viewership Alarm Bells: A Studio Chair Left Empty

Perino last appeared on America’s Newsroom on July 28, as confirmed by a Fox News representative—her absence from earlier that week sparked concern among fans. Viewers took to Twitter/X and fan forums expressing worry:

“I’m hoping she’s okay… weird not seeing Dana on Newsroom or The Five.”
“She’s been missing a lot lately… is everything fine?”

Meanwhile, Fox News filled her roles by assigning substitute hosts, including Julie Banderas anchoring America’s Newsroom. While fans welcomed Banderas, many voiced disappointment at Perino’s absence.

2. Official Word: It’s a Personal Break, Not a Career Pause

Multiple reputable sources confirm that there is no indication Dana Perino is leaving The Five, America’s Newsroom, or Fox News altogether. Her network roles remain intact, her book tour continues, and her podcast remains active.

Rumors circulating in early 2025—claiming her departure was tied to infighting, CBD endorsements, or legal battles—have been thoroughly debunked by fact-checkers and Fox News Media itself.

3. The Surprise Civilian Mission: Building a School in Cambodia

Digging deeper, we unearthed a compelling revelation: in late May and early June 2025, Dana Perino took a two-week humanitarian leave to travel to Cambodia, where she volunteered at a rural village build project to construct a primary school for underprivileged children.

During a return segment on June 11, she shared details of her journey, revealing that the project served over 100 children and carried profound meaning for her personally. She even brought back a carved wooden plaque bearing a Khmer proverb translating to “From small roots grow mighty trees”, which she displayed on set.

The experience, she explained, transcended professional work—it was personal, impactful, and rooted in her belief in global empowerment.

4. What Fans Missed: A Recharge, Not a Departure

Perino’s absence during the week of July 21 appears to be part of planned personal time—likely to decompress after her humanitarian mission, complete promotional duties for her book, and perhaps spend time with family—including her husband Peter McMahon and their dog Percy.

Fox News insiders and credible outlets emphasize that no exit or reduced role is on the horizon. She remains listed as an active co-anchor of America’s Newsroom, a key panelist on The Five, and host of her weekly Perino on Politics podcast.

5. Why It Mattered—and Why Fans Worried

A. Perino as a Trusted Fox News Fixture

Since joining the network in 2009, Perino has become one of its most trusted voices—known not only for her experience as George W. Bush’s Press Secretary (2007–2009) but also her consistent presence across formats: news, opinion, podcasts, and books.

B. Signs of Consistency Breach

She rarely misses shows, and fans know the rhythm of her schedule. Her sudden absence triggered concern not just for the missing anchor seat, but for what it might signal.

C. Misinformation History

Earlier in 2025, false stories had linked Perino to CBD product controversies, rumored battles with Hannity, or tension on The Five—all unfounded rumors that had circulated online until debunked by Snopes and other fact-checkers.

6. What She’s Up to Now—and What to Expect Next

Resuming On-Air Roles

By July 28, Perino was back on America’s Newsroom, reassuring fans she remains core to Fox News’s roster. Audiences can expect her to return fully to The Five and resume podcast episodes.

Ongoing Projects

Her book I Wish Someone Had Told Me (released April 2025) continues to garner attention and tour support; promotional efforts may overlap with her professional presence on air.

Future Endeavors

Insiders have reported that Perino is signed to host a new yet-unnamed Fox News talk show, expected to launch late 2025, offering her a solo platform for deeper political and career conversations.

7. Timeline Snapshot

Date Range
Activity

May 27–June 9
Volunteer service building a school in Cambodia

June 11
Shared experience on-air with co-hosts

July 21–27
Not appearing on-key shows—personal time

July 28
Returned to America’s Newsroom

Late 2025
Expected debut of new talk show

8. Final Assessment: No Mystery—Just Mission and Margins

Dana Perino’s absence during the week of July 21, 2025, turned out to be precisely that: an absence—not an exit. Her two-week humanitarian mission in Cambodia, followed by a personal rest or private time, aligns with her known values and past transparency.

There’s no sign of career disruption. There’s no debate with network executives. Instead, what emerges is a narrative consistent with Dana Perino’s identity: a highly visible journalist who steps away when service calls, then returns centered and focused, ready for the next chapter.

Fans can safely assume she remains a committed co-anchor on America’s Newsroom, a beloved voice on The Five, a podcast host, author, mentor—and soon, perhaps, the face of her own Fox News talk show.

Dana Perino is not only not leaving—she’s evolving.

Questions From Viewers Answered

Q: Is Dana Perino quitting Fox News?
A: No. All credible reports emphasize she remains on-air, hosts her weekly podcast, and has no exit planned from any show.

Q: Why did she disappear that week?
A: First to volunteer in Cambodia (late May–early June), then likely a restorative break afterward—no official health or career controversy noted.

Q: Are rumors about CBD products or on-air disputes true?
A: No. Those were misinformation; fact-checkers and Fox News Media deny any such claims.

Q: What comes next in her career?
A: She is reportedly launching a solo talk show on Fox News in late 2025, amplifying her voice in new formats