EXCLUSIVE: Kayleigh McEnany’s Third Pregnancy Comes With One Condition — And It Was Dana Perino Who Set the Rule…
On March 17, 2025, Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House press secretary and Outnumbered co-host, lit up Fox News with the joyful announcement of her third pregnancy, due in June. The 36-year-old, beaming alongside co-hosts on the set, shared a sonogram and stories of her daughter Blake, 5, and son Nash, 2, embracing their future sibling, all while quoting Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Fans were thrilled, but a week later, a surprising revelation on The Five sent shockwaves: McEnany’s pregnancy came with a unique condition, set by none other than her co-host Dana Perino, sparking a nationwide buzz about friendship, balance, and faith.
McEnany, a Fox News staple since 2021, has balanced a high-profile career with motherhood, living between Tampa and New York with her husband, Sean Gilmartin, a former MLB pitcher. Her $1 million net worth and steadfast Christian faith, often shared through Bible verses on Instagram, have endeared her to millions. Her pregnancy announcement, delivered in a pink blazer, was a moment of celebration, with co-host Emily Compagno noting, “This baby is so loved already.” But it was Perino, the seasoned journalist and The Five anchor, who added an unexpected twist that turned McEnany’s journey into a story of inspiration.
The story unfolded on March 24, 2025, during a The Five segment. McEnany, discussing her pregnancy, mentioned feeling the pressure of her demanding schedule. Perino, 52, known for her calm wisdom and bestselling book Everything Will Be Okay, interjected with a smile. “Kayleigh, I’m setting one condition for this pregnancy,” she said, pausing for effect. “You have to promise to take one hour a day for yourself—no work, no screens, just you and your family or your faith.” The panel fell silent, and McEnany, caught off guard, laughed nervously. “Dana, are you serious?” she asked. Perino nodded, adding, “You give so much to everyone. This baby deserves a rested, present mom.”
The condition, simple yet profound, struck a chord. Perino, a mentor to McEnany since her Fox News debut, drew from her own experience. Childless but devoted to her husband, Peter McMahon, and their dog Jasper, Perino has spoken about burnout, notably in her 2021 book, urging women to prioritize self-care. “Kayleigh’s a superstar, but she’s human,” Perino said on air. “This condition isn’t just for her—it’s for Blake, Nash, and Baby #3.” McEnany, visibly moved, agreed to the pact, saying, “Dana, you’re right. I’m in.”
The moment went viral. Clips of Perino’s rule flooded X, with #DanaCondition trending. “Dana Perino just gave Kayleigh McEnany the best pregnancy advice,” one user posted. “Take an hour for yourself—why is this so revolutionary?” Another wrote, “Kayleigh’s faith and Dana’s wisdom are a power combo.” Fans praised Perino’s mentorship, with some speculating she’d been quietly guiding McEnany through her 2020 double mastectomy recovery, a story McEnany shared at the RNC. The condition resonated with working moms, who saw it as a call to reclaim balance in a hectic world.
Behind the scenes, Perino’s gesture was deeply personal. Sources close to The Five revealed she’d noticed McEnany’s exhaustion, juggling Fox News duties with parenting during her pregnancy’s first trimester. After McEnany’s health scare—fainting on set in May 2025—Perino felt compelled to act. “Dana’s like a big sister to Kayleigh,” a producer told The Daily Caller. “She wanted to protect her.” Perino gifted McEnany a small hourglass to mark her daily “Kayleigh hour,” a private gesture that leaked online, amplifying the buzz.
McEnany embraced the condition, sharing updates on Instagram. “Day 1 of #DanaCondition: Read Psalms with Blake and Nash, no phone. Feeling recharged,” she posted, alongside a photo of the hourglass. Fans responded with thousands of comments, sharing their own “hour” stories—praying, gardening, or playing with their kids. “Kayleigh and Dana are reminding us to slow down,” one user wrote on X. The hashtag sparked a movement, with women posting #MyHour to celebrate moments of self-care, from single moms to CEOs.
The condition’s impact went beyond social media. McEnany, who’d faced scrutiny for her Trump loyalty and comments praising Rep. Elise Stefanik, found new admiration for her vulnerability. On Outnumbered, she shared how Perino’s rule helped her reconnect with her faith, citing Luke 12:7, “God knows the very hairs on our head.” She began journaling during her hour, writing letters to her unborn daughter (revealed as a girl in a May 15 gender reveal). “Dana’s condition gave me permission to be still,” McEnany said, crediting it for easing her pregnancy stress.
Perino, typically private, opened up on The Five about her intent. “Kayleigh’s a warrior, but warriors need rest,” she said. “This baby’s coming into a world that needs her mom at her best.” The sentiment moved co-host Jesse Watters, who joked, “Dana, you’re making us all look lazy!” The panel’s camaraderie, often marked by playful sparring, shone through, with Greg Gutfeld tweeting, “Perino’s rule is tougher than my workouts.”
The buzz around #DanaCondition inspired workplaces to promote wellness. Fox News launched a “Balance Hour” initiative for staff, and parenting blogs shared tips for carving out personal time. McEnany’s Tampa home, where she and Gilmartin raise Blake and Nash, became a sanctuary for her daily hour, often spent reading Bible stories or watching Blake draw. “This condition’s a gift,” McEnany told The Daily Caller. “Dana reminded me that my kids need me, not just my work.”
As June approaches, McEnany’s pregnancy journey, shaped by Perino’s rule, remains a cultural touchstone. The condition wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a call to prioritize what matters, sparking a movement of rest and renewal. For Kayleigh McEnany, whose faith and family anchor her, and Dana Perino, whose quiet wisdom lifted her friend, the rule proved that sometimes, the smallest conditions create the biggest change, inspiring America to pause, reflect, and love a little deeper.