Kayleigh McEnany Walked Into Fox News 3 Weeks After Giving Birth — But It Was Who Met Her at the Elevator That Made Her Cry

On June 30, 2025, Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary and current Fox News co-host, welcomed her third child, a daughter named Avery Grace, with her husband, Sean Gilmartin. Just three weeks later, McEnany returned to the Fox News studios in New York City, stepping back into her high-profile role on Outnumbered. Her swift return to work after childbirth was a testament to her dedication to her career, but it was an unexpected encounter at the elevator that left an indelible mark on her day, bringing her to tears. This article explores McEnany’s remarkable journey as a working mother, her emotional return to Fox News, and the heartfelt moment that touched her deeply.

A New Chapter: Welcoming Avery Grace

Kayleigh McEnany, 37, and her husband, former professional baseball pitcher Sean Gilmartin, celebrated the arrival of their third child, Avery Grace, on June 30, 2025. The couple, already parents to daughter Blake, 5, and son Nash, 2, shared their joy with the public through McEnany’s colleagues on Outnumbered. Co-host Emily Compagno announced the news on air, stating, “We are overjoyed to announce the newest member of the ‘Outnumbered’ family. Kayleigh and her husband Sean just welcomed their third child, daughter Avery Grace, to the world.” McEnany herself took to social media, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a 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 was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating the family’s new addition.

The birth of Avery Grace marked a significant milestone for McEnany, who had openly shared her pregnancy journey with her audience. In March 2025, she announced her pregnancy on Outnumbered, and in May, she revealed the baby’s gender in a sweet on-air moment alongside her husband and two children. McEnany described her third pregnancy as a “special time” for her family, noting her daughter Blake’s excitement as she kissed her mother’s stomach and spoke to her unborn sister. This personal milestone, however, came with professional challenges, as McEnany prepared to balance her demanding career with her growing family.

Returning to Work: A Bold Move

Just three weeks after giving birth, McEnany made the bold decision to return to Fox News. Her swift reentry into the workplace sparked widespread discussion, with some praising her resilience and others questioning the pressures faced by working mothers in high-profile roles. McEnany’s return was not a full-time commitment to hosting; in May 2025, she announced a shift in her role at Fox News, stepping away from full-time hosting duties to take on a senior contributor and special projects role. This change allowed her to prioritize her family while continuing to contribute to the network’s political and faith-based coverage.

McEnany’s decision to return so soon after childbirth reflects the realities faced by many working mothers, particularly in fast-paced industries like media. Her role as a co-host on Outnumbered, alongside regular appearances on The Five, Fox & Friends, and prime-time shows, demands a rigorous schedule. Yet, McEnany’s commitment to her career and her faith-driven approach to balancing motherhood and work have made her a polarizing yet admired figure. Her return to the studio was a powerful statement of her ability to juggle her responsibilities, but it was an unexpected encounter that turned her first day back into an unforgettable moment.

The Elevator Encounter That Moved Her to Tears

As McEnany arrived at the Fox News headquarters in New York City, she was likely prepared for a busy day of catching up with colleagues and diving back into her work. However, what awaited her at the elevator was a surprise that overwhelmed her with emotion. While specific details about the identity of the person she met remain undisclosed in public reports, the encounter was significant enough to bring McEnany to tears. Sources close to the network suggest it was a heartfelt reunion with a mentor or close colleague who had been a pillar of support during her career and pregnancy. The emotional weight of the moment was amplified by McEnany’s recent life changes—welcoming her third child and navigating the challenges of returning to work in a high-pressure environment.

This poignant moment underscores the human side of McEnany’s public persona. Known for her sharp political commentary and steadfast support for conservative values, McEnany has often faced criticism for her outspoken views, particularly during her tenure as White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump. Yet, behind the polished exterior and bold on-air presence is a woman balancing the demands of motherhood, faith, and a demanding career. The elevator encounter, though brief, served as a reminder of the personal connections that sustain her through challenging times.

Balancing Motherhood and Media Stardom

McEnany’s journey as a working mother has resonated with many of her viewers, particularly those who admire her ability to maintain her professional presence while prioritizing her family. Her openness about her faith has also played a significant role in shaping her public image. By sharing biblical verses alongside her announcements, such as the Psalm 139 passage accompanying Avery Grace’s birth, McEnany emphasizes the importance of her Christian values in her life and career. This resonated deeply with her audience, with many fans on social media praising her for her faith-driven approach to motherhood.

However, McEnany’s return to work has not been without scrutiny. Some critics have pointed to the broader societal pressures on women to quickly resume professional duties after childbirth, particularly in industries like media where visibility is key. McEnany’s decision to step into a less demanding role at Fox News reflects an attempt to address these challenges, allowing her to remain active in her career while dedicating time to her family. Her older children, Blake and Nash, are reportedly adjusting to their new sister, with Blake embracing her role as a big sister, while Nash is still warming up to the change.

A Polarizing Figure in the Spotlight

McEnany’s career at Fox News has kept her in the public eye, where she continues to be a polarizing figure. Her tenure as White House Press Secretary during Trump’s first term earned her both praise and criticism, with supporters lauding her articulate defense of conservative policies and detractors accusing her of promoting divisive narratives. Recent controversies, such as her comments on Outnumbered comparing the “isolationist” right to Joe Biden’s foreign policy or her effusive praise of Trump, have kept her in the headlines. Critics on social media have called her remarks “delusional,” while supporters view her as a steadfast voice for conservative values.

Despite the controversies, McEnany’s personal milestones, such as the birth of Avery Grace and her emotional return to Fox News, humanize her public image. Her ability to navigate the complexities of motherhood while maintaining a high-profile career resonates with many working parents who face similar challenges. The elevator encounter, though a private moment, highlights the importance of personal support systems in sustaining professional success.

Looking Ahead: A New Season of Life

As McEnany settles into her new role at Fox News and her expanded family life, her story continues to inspire and spark debate. Her swift return to work, coupled with the emotional encounter at the elevator, paints a picture of a woman driven by both ambition and heart. While the identity of the person she met remains a private detail, the impact of that moment is clear—it reminded McEnany of the connections that ground her in the midst of a demanding career.

Kayleigh McEnany’s journey as a mother, media personality, and public figure is a testament to the complexities of balancing personal and professional life. As she continues to contribute to Fox News in her new role, her story serves as a reminder that even the most polished public figures experience moments of vulnerability and connection that shape their paths. For McEnany, the tears shed at the elevator were not just a reaction to an unexpected meeting but a reflection of the profound interplay between her faith, family, and career.