Everyone Expected Kayleigh to Quit After Baby #3 — What She Did Instead Shocked the Entire Fox News Team

Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary and prominent Fox News co-host, welcomed her third child, daughter Avery Grace, on June 30, 2025, with her husband, Sean Gilmartin. With two young children already at home—Blake, 5, and Nash, 2—many at Fox News and among her audience speculated that McEnany might step away from her high-profile role on Outnumbered to focus on her growing family. Instead, McEnany made a bold move that stunned her colleagues and fans alike, returning to the studio just three weeks after giving birth and taking on a restructured role that balanced her career and motherhood in a way few anticipated. This article delves into McEnany’s surprising decision, the emotional moment that marked her return, and the impact it had on the Fox News team.

A Growing Family and Rising Expectations

The arrival of Avery Grace was a joyous milestone for McEnany and Gilmartin, a former professional baseball pitcher. Announced on Outnumbered by co-host Emily Compagno, the birth was celebrated with a heartfelt message from McEnany, who shared a biblical passage from Psalm 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The announcement, paired with McEnany’s history of faith-driven public statements, resonated deeply with her supporters, who flooded social media with congratulations.

McEnany’s pregnancy had been a public journey, shared with viewers through key moments like her March 2025 pregnancy announcement and a May gender reveal on Outnumbered, where she was joined by her husband and children. With her due date approaching, speculation grew about her future at Fox News. Given the demands of her role—regular appearances on Outnumbered, The Five, Fox & Friends, and prime-time shows—many assumed she would take an extended leave or resign to prioritize her family, especially after welcoming her third child in less than six years.

The Shocking Decision: A New Role, Not a Departure

Contrary to expectations, McEnany did not step away from Fox News. In a surprising announcement in May 2025, just weeks before giving birth, she revealed a major shift in her professional responsibilities. Rather than continuing as a full-time co-host, McEnany transitioned into a senior contributor and special projects role at the network. This move allowed her to maintain a significant presence on air while scaling back her schedule to focus on motherhood. The decision, announced before her delivery, caught her colleagues off guard, as many had anticipated a complete departure. Social media erupted with hashtags like #KayleighStepsBack and #FaithAndFamilyFirst, reflecting a mix of shock and admiration from fans.

McEnany’s new role was designed to leverage her expertise in political commentary and faith-based reporting while offering flexibility to accommodate her family’s needs. “I’ve made the decision to step away from full-time hosting duties and transition into a senior contributor and special projects role here at Fox,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to “fully embrace this season of motherhood” while continuing to contribute to the network. This strategic pivot allowed her to remain a key figure at Fox News without the relentless demands of daily hosting. Her colleagues, including Harris Faulkner, expressed support on air, praising her commitment to both her career and her family.

A Swift Return and an Emotional Encounter

What shocked the Fox News team even more was McEnany’s return to the studio just three weeks after giving birth on July 21, 2025. Walking into the New York City headquarters, she was prepared to ease back into her new role, but an unexpected encounter at the elevator turned the day into an emotional milestone. While the identity of the person she met has not been publicly disclosed, sources suggest it was a close colleague or mentor who had supported McEnany through her career and pregnancy. The heartfelt reunion brought her to tears, a rare moment of vulnerability for a figure known for her polished and assertive on-air presence.

This emotional moment underscored the personal connections that have sustained McEnany through her high-profile career. As she stepped back into the studio, her colleagues were reportedly moved by her resilience and the visible emotion she displayed. The encounter highlighted the human side of McEnany, who has often faced intense scrutiny for her political stances and her tenure as White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump. Her ability to balance vulnerability with professional determination left a lasting impression on the Fox News team.

Navigating Motherhood in the Public Eye

McEnany’s decision to return so quickly and in a restructured role sparked widespread discussion about the pressures faced by working mothers, particularly in the media industry. Her swift reentry drew both praise for her dedication and criticism from those who argue that such expectations reflect broader societal challenges for women post-childbirth. McEnany, however, framed her choice as a personal one, rooted in her faith and her desire to model resilience for her children. She has often spoken about her daughter Blake’s excitement for her new sister and her son Nash’s gradual adjustment, sharing lighthearted anecdotes that resonate with parents navigating similar transitions.

Her openness about her faith has been a cornerstone of her public persona. By pairing her announcements with biblical verses, such as the Psalm 139 passage for Avery Grace’s birth, McEnany connects with viewers who share her values. This approach has endeared her to a significant portion of Fox News’ audience, though it has also drawn criticism from detractors who view her as polarizing. Recent on-air comments, such as her comparison of the “isolationist” right to Joe Biden’s foreign policy or her praise for Trump, have kept her in the headlines, with some on social media labeling her views “delusional” while supporters champion her as a voice for conservative principles.

The Impact on Fox News and Beyond

McEnany’s decision to stay with Fox News in a new capacity rather than quit sent a powerful message to her colleagues and viewers. It challenged assumptions about what working mothers in high-profile roles can achieve, demonstrating that flexibility and determination can coexist. Her colleagues, including Emily Compagno and Harris Faulkner, publicly celebrated her return, with Compagno noting on air that the Outnumbered team was “wishing Kayleigh and Sean all the best as they continue to grow their beautiful family.” The support from her team underscored the camaraderie at Fox News, even as McEnany’s swift return raised eyebrows.

For the Fox News team, McEnany’s choice was a reminder of the evolving nature of workplace dynamics, particularly for women in media. Her ability to negotiate a role that aligned with her personal and professional goals set a precedent for others at the network. Beyond Fox News, her story sparked broader conversations about work-life balance, with fans on social media praising her as an inspiration for working mothers and others expressing concern about the pressures that drive such rapid returns to work.

A New Chapter with Lasting Impact

Kayleigh McEnany’s decision to return to Fox News just three weeks after giving birth to her third child, coupled with her transition to a senior contributor role, was a shock to her colleagues and fans who expected her to step away entirely. The emotional encounter at the elevator, though a private moment, added a layer of humanity to her story, revealing the personal connections that fuel her resilience. As she navigates this new season of motherhood and her restructured role at Fox News, McEnany continues to inspire and provoke, embodying the complexities of balancing family, faith, and a high-profile career.

Her story is a testament to the power of defying expectations. Rather than quitting, McEnany redefined her path, proving that motherhood and professional ambition are not mutually exclusive. As she continues to contribute to Fox News through political commentary and special projects, her journey remains a compelling narrative for viewers, colleagues, and working parents everywhere.