Jeanine Pirro sends heartfelt message to Emily Compagno after she lands permanent seat on The Five

Jeanine Pirro has publicly congratulated Emily Compagno on her new role as a permanent co-host of Fox News’ The Five.

Compagno will officially join the program on September 8, filling the position Pirro left when she departed Fox News for a role in Washington in May 2025.

The announcement brought a warm exchange between the former colleagues, with Pirro offering her full support as Compagno prepares to take her place at the table.

“Congratulations @EmilyCompagno on becoming the new co-host of @TheFive. You will be fantastic!” Pirro wrote.

Compagno responds to Pirro’s support

Compagno answered the message with an emotional tribute that acknowledged the impact Pirro made during her years on the show.

“Judge THANK YOU for that deeply kind message—you are an incredible woman, inside and out, and you left some mighty big shoes I will never fill,” Compagno wrote.

“I will always be inspired by you and grateful for you!”

Their exchange marked a gracious handoff after Fox News spent approximately 15 months relying on rotating personalities to occupy Pirro’s former seat.

Compagno was among those who regularly appeared on the program during that period. She will now join Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino and Jesse Watters as a permanent member of the panel.

Harold Ford Jr. and Jessica Tarlov will continue sharing the program’s rotating liberal seat, according to Fox News.

Why Jeanine Pirro left Fox News

Pirro left The Five in May 2025 after President Donald Trump selected her to serve as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

Her move brought an immediate end to her time at Fox News and opened a prominent position on one of the network’s leading programs.

The Senate later confirmed Pirro to the position on August 2, 2025, by a vote of 50–45.

More than a year after her departure, Pirro’s message made clear that she is supporting the colleague chosen to succeed her.

Emily Compagno prepares for a new chapter

Compagno said she was deeply honored to receive a permanent position on a program she has admired and worked alongside for years.

“Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege,” she said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

The promotion also means Compagno will leave Outnumbered, where she has worked as a co-host since 2021.

Fox personalities will temporarily rotate through her position on the midday show while the network searches for a permanent replacement.

Compagno originally joined Fox News as a contributor in 2018. Before beginning her television career, she practiced criminal defense and civil litigation.

She also served as a federal managing attorney and acting director at the Social Security Administration. Outside the legal profession, Compagno previously captained the Oakland Raiders cheerleading squad.

A permanent seat on Fox News’ biggest show

Compagno joins The Five as the program continues to deliver strong ratings for Fox News.

According to figures provided by the network, the show averaged 3.6 million viewers during the second quarter of 2026.

The Five celebrated its 15th anniversary in July and has ranked as the highest-rated cable news program for 19 consecutive quarters.

After months of temporary arrangements, Compagno’s appointment gives the program a permanent successor to Pirro—and Pirro’s personal message ensured the transition began with mutual respect.