New York, June 16, 2025 – Fox News anchor Dana Perino has found herself at the center of a media storm after quietly supporting a New York City orphanage while refusing to allow reporters to cover the event. The 53-year-old political commentator, known for her roles on America’s Newsroom and The Five, visited the Sunshine Haven Orphanage on June 11, 2025, to deliver donations and spend time with the children. Her decision to exclude the press, however, has sparked outrage among journalists and commentators, who accuse her of lacking transparency in her charitable efforts.
Perino, a former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, arrived at the orphanage with a small team, providing essential supplies such as books, clothing, and toys, as well as a monetary donation to support educational programs. According to a statement from her representatives, the visit was intended to be a private act of goodwill, focused on the children’s well-being. “Dana wanted to ensure the children felt valued without the distraction of cameras or media scrutiny,” the statement read. “Her priority was their comfort and privacy, not publicity.”
Despite these intentions, the move has drawn sharp criticism from media outlets, who argue that Perino’s high-profile status warrants public accountability for her charitable actions. Several news organizations, expecting to cover the event after receiving unconfirmed tips about her visit, were denied access at the orphanage’s entrance. Tabloids and online platforms have since published scathing editorials, with headlines like “Perino’s Secret Charity: What’s She Hiding?” dominating discussions. On X, critics have been vocal, with one user, @MediaTruthNY, posting, “Dana Perino can’t have it both ways—public figure doing ‘good deeds’ but shutting out the press. Smells like a PR stunt gone wrong.” Another, @NewsHawkUS, questioned, “Why hide charity? If it’s genuine, let the world see it.”
Perino’s supporters, however, have defended her decision, praising her for prioritizing the children over media attention. A fan account, @DanaFanClub, wrote on X, “Dana Perino doesn’t owe the media a photo-op. She’s helping kids, not chasing clout. Respect her choice to keep it private.” Others highlighted her history of low-key philanthropy, including her involvement with nonprofits like Mercy Ships and Companions4Heroes, as well as her volunteer work in South Africa in 2009 after leaving the White House. In a 2021 Fox News interview, Perino emphasized her belief in community-driven action, stating, “I think communities actually get along quite well,” suggesting her preference for grassroots efforts over publicized events.
The controversy has fueled broader debates about the intersection of celebrity philanthropy and media access. Journalism professor Dr. Emily Carter told The New York Post, “While public figures like Perino have a right to privacy, excluding the press can raise questions about authenticity, especially when their platform amplifies their influence. But we must also consider the ethical implications of turning vulnerable children into media spectacles.” The Sunshine Haven Orphanage, home to 38 children aged 3 to 15, issued a brief statement thanking Perino for her “generous support” and affirming their policy of protecting residents’ privacy, declining further comment.
Perino has not directly addressed the backlash, though sources close to her suggest she was “surprised” by the media’s reaction, given her intent to keep the visit low-profile. Her representatives hinted at a possible response on her podcast, Perino on Politics, in an upcoming episode. As a seasoned communicator who navigated the White House press corps, Perino is no stranger to media scrutiny. Her 2007–2009 tenure as Press Secretary, where she became the first Republican woman in the role, saw her handle high-stakes briefings with poise, even during incidents like the 2008 shoe-throwing attack on President Bush, which left her with a black eye from a microphone stand.
The media’s response has drawn parallels to other public figures who have faced criticism for controlling press access, underscoring ongoing tensions between transparency and privacy. For now, Perino’s supporters and detractors continue to clash online, with hashtags like #DanaOrphanage and #MediaOverreach trending on X. As one supporter posted, “Dana’s doing real good for kids, not headlines. The media needs to chill.” Meanwhile, the debate raises critical questions about the expectations placed on public figures and the role of the press in documenting their actions.