In a raw and emotional moment that has left fans reeling, former White House Press Secretary and Fox News star Kayleigh McEnany has shared a devastating update about her newborn daughter, Avery Grace. The 37-year-old conservative powerhouse, known for her unshakeable poise under pressure, broke down as she revealed that her third child has been in and out of the hospital due to a mysterious illness. “Every time she’s admitted, I can barely breathe,” McEnany confessed in a heartfelt interview, her voice cracking with the weight of a mother’s deepest fears. This shocking disclosure comes just weeks after the joyous birth of Avery in June 2025, turning what should have been a time of celebration into a nightmare of uncertainty and hospital vigils. As the nation rallies around the McEnany family, we delve into the full story behind this gut-wrenching ordeal, exploring Kayleigh’s journey from political warrior to devoted mom facing her toughest battle yet.

Kayleigh McEnany, who served as Donald Trump’s fierce defender during his tumultuous presidency, has always been the epitome of strength. From dodging tough questions in the White House briefing room to co-hosting Fox News’ Outnumbered, she’s built a career on resilience and quick wit. But nothing could prepare her for the heartache of watching her tiny daughter fight for her health. In an exclusive sit-down with Fox News colleagues, aired on August 15, 2025, McEnany opened up about the harrowing experience, her eyes welling with tears as she described the sleepless nights and frantic drives to the emergency room. “Avery is our miracle baby, but these past few weeks have been a rollercoaster,” she said. “She’s been admitted multiple times, and each time, it’s like my world stops. I hold her little hand and pray harder than I’ve ever prayed before.”

The trouble began shortly after Avery’s birth on June 28, 2025, at a prestigious hospital in New York City. McEnany and her husband, former MLB pitcher Sean Gilmartin, 35, had announced the pregnancy in March 2025 during a live segment on Outnumbered. “Sean and I are expecting our third child, which we’re so excited about,” she beamed at the time, sharing an ultrasound photo and teasing a gender reveal. The couple, who eloped in 2017 after a whirlwind romance, already share daughter Blake, 5, and son Nash, 2. Avery’s arrival was met with fanfare; Fox News colleagues like Emily Compagno gushed over the newborn on air, sharing adorable photos of the baby in a pink onesie with a oversized bow. “We are overjoyed to announce the newest member of the ‘Outnumbered’ family,” Compagno said on June 30. McEnany herself posted on Instagram: “@GilmartinSean and I are so in love with our new baby girl, Avery Grace! Blake and Nash love their baby sister, and we are enjoying this beautiful time in life!” Quoting Psalm 139:13-14, she added a biblical touch, emphasizing the wonder of creation.

But behind the smiles and social media posts, a storm was brewing. Sources close to the family reveal that Avery began showing signs of distress just days after coming home. “It started with fever and difficulty breathing,” a family insider told us. “Kayleigh noticed something was off right away—she’s incredibly attentive as a mom.” Doctors initially dismissed it as a common newborn issue, but when Avery’s symptoms worsened—rapid breathing, lethargy, and unexplained rashes—the family rushed her to the pediatric ER. Tests revealed a rare respiratory condition, possibly linked to a congenital issue, though McEnany has kept the specifics private to protect her daughter’s privacy. “It’s been touch and go,” the insider continued. “One day she’s smiling and cooing, the next she’s hooked up to monitors. Kayleigh hasn’t left her side.”

McEnany’s candid admission—”Every time she’s admitted, I can barely breathe”—struck a chord with parents everywhere. It’s a far cry from the confident woman who faced down reporters during the COVID-19 pandemic, famously carrying her “binder of truth” to press briefings. But motherhood has always been McEnany’s soft spot. In her 2021 memoir, For Such a Time as This: My Faith Journey through the White House and Beyond, she detailed the challenges of balancing career and family, including giving birth to Blake in November 2019 while working for Trump’s re-election campaign. “Being a mom is the greatest joy and the hardest job,” she wrote. Nash’s arrival in December 2022 came after fertility struggles, which McEnany openly discussed, crediting prayer and faith for her miracle. “After my mastectomy in 2018 due to the BRCA1 gene, doctors said conceiving might be tough,” she shared in a 2023 interview. That preventive double mastectomy, prompted by her mother’s breast cancer battle, showcased McEnany’s proactive approach to health—a trait she’s now channeling into Avery’s care.

The illness has tested the family’s faith like never before. Gilmartin, who retired from baseball in 2021 after stints with the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, has been McEnany’s rock, shuttling between hospital visits and caring for Blake and Nash. “Sean’s been amazing,” McEnany praised in her revelation. “He holds me when I cry and reminds me that God has a plan.” The couple’s Christian faith has been a cornerstone; McEnany often quotes scripture on air and in her books. In a recent Outnumbered segment, she spoke about leaning on Psalm 46:10—”Be still, and know that I am God”—during Avery’s hospital stays. Friends say the family has set up a prayer chain, with supporters from their church community in Florida sending meals and cards.

The news has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike. Former President Trump, who McEnany loyally served, tweeted: “Kayleigh is one of the strongest people I know. Praying for little Avery and the whole family. Get well soon!” Fox News colleagues flooded social media with messages; Harris Faulkner wrote, “Our hearts are with you, Kayleigh. Avery is a fighter, just like her mom.” Even across the aisle, some liberals expressed sympathy, with one CNN commentator saying, “Politics aside, no parent should go through this.” Hashtags like #PrayForAvery and #McEnanyStrong trended on X, with thousands sharing stories of their own children’s health scares. A GoFundMe page, set up by fans, has raised over $50,000 for pediatric research, though McEnany has directed donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital instead.

This isn’t the first time McEnany has faced personal adversity in the public eye. Her mother’s cancer diagnosis in 2009 prompted her own genetic testing, leading to the mastectomy that she credits with saving her life. “I chose life for my future children,” she said in a 2020 interview. That decision allowed her to welcome Blake, Nash, and now Avery, but it also heightened her awareness of health risks. Experts speculate that Avery’s condition could be unrelated, perhaps a viral infection or autoimmune issue common in infants, but McEnany’s family history has made her vigilant. “She’s been proactive, getting second opinions from top specialists,” our source revealed. Avery has been treated at a leading children’s hospital, with a team of pediatricians monitoring her closely.

As McEnany navigates this crisis, she’s taken a brief hiatus from Outnumbered, with guest hosts filling in. “The show is family,” she said. “They’ve been incredibly supportive.” In her absence, the panel has dedicated segments to children’s health, highlighting the importance of early detection. McEnany plans to return soon, using her platform to raise awareness. “If sharing our story helps one family, it’s worth it,” she vowed.

Looking back, McEnany’s path to motherhood has been anything but easy. After meeting Gilmartin in 2015 via Twitter—yes, the app formerly known as Twitter—she pursued him despite a long-distance romance. They married in a private ceremony in 2017, with McEnany walking down the aisle in a stunning Vera Wang gown. Blake’s birth in 2019 coincided with her White House role, making her the first press secretary to give birth while in office. Nash followed in 2022, after McEnany left politics for Fox News. Avery’s pregnancy was announced amid speculation about McEnany’s potential return to a Trump administration if he wins in 2024—rumors she dismissed, focusing on family.

But now, all that pales in comparison to Avery’s health. “Every admission feels like eternity,” McEnany shared. “You see your baby poked and prodded, and it’s heartbreaking.” Doctors are optimistic, with Avery showing signs of improvement during her latest discharge. “She’s a fighter,” McEnany said proudly. “Her smiles light up the room.”

As the family hunkers down, surrounded by love and prayers, McEnany’s revelation serves as a poignant reminder that even the toughest public figures have vulnerable hearts. “Motherhood changes everything,” she reflected. “It’s taught me to cherish every moment.” With Avery’s condition stabilizing, hope flickers on the horizon. But for now, Kayleigh McEnany—a woman who stared down the world’s media—is facing her greatest challenge: the fight for her daughter’s life. The nation stands with her, praying for the day when Avery’s hospital visits are a distant memory.

In the meantime, McEnany encourages fans to hold their loved ones close. “Life is precious,” she said. “Don’t take a single breath for granted.” As Avery Grace battles on, her mother’s unbreakable spirit shines through, proving that love, faith, and resilience can conquer even the darkest storms.