by Kayleigh McEnany is an American political commentator, author, and television personality who gained national recognition as the 31st White House Press Secretary under former U.S. President Donald Trump. Before joining the Trump administration, she was a CNN commentator and later became a conservative voice on Fox News, where she currently co-hosts “Outnumbered.”
McEnany has built a strong career in political media and broadcasting, becoming one of the most recognized conservative commentators in the U.S. She is known for her firm stance on conservative policies and strong media presence, making her a leading figure in right-wing media.
Early Life & Education
Kayleigh McEnany was born on April 18, 1988, in Tampa, Florida. She attended Academy of the Holy Names, a private Catholic preparatory school in Tampa, where she excelled academically.
Her higher education includes:
Georgetown University – She majored in International Politics at the School of Foreign Service. During her time there, she studied abroad at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where she was taught by Nick Thomas-Symonds, who later became a British Labour Party politician.
University of Miami School of Law – She initially enrolled here and was awarded the Bruce J. Winick Award for Excellence, an honor given to students in the top 1% of their class.
Harvard Law School – After a year at Miami Law, she transferred to Harvard Law School and graduated in 2016 with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
McEnany’s elite education set the foundation for her career in political commentary, media, and government service.
Political Beginnings: From CNN to White House Press Secretary
Early Political Career & CNN Stint
Before becoming a Trump loyalist, McEnany was initially critical of Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primary. She referred to him as a “showman” and criticized some of his remarks as “racist”. However, as Trump’s campaign gained momentum, McEnany shifted her stance and became one of his strongest defenders.
She joined CNN as a paid commentator, where she debated political analysts and defended Trump’s policies against critics. Her media presence made her a rising conservative voice, gaining her national attention.
Joining the Trump Administration
2017: McEnany officially aligned with the Republican Party and was appointed National Spokesperson for the Republican National Committee (RNC).
2019-2020: She became National Press Secretary for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, actively defending the administration during media controversies.
April 2020: Trump appointed her as White House Press Secretary, replacing Stephanie Grisham. She took the role during the COVID-19 pandemic and became known for her bold media interactions and aggressive defense of the Trump administration.
January 20, 2021: As Trump’s presidency ended, McEnany stepped down, and Jen Psaki took over the position under the Biden administration.
Post-White House Career
After leaving the White House, McEnany joined Fox News as a political commentator. She was later promoted to co-host “Outnumbered,” one of the network’s highest-rated daytime shows.
She continues to be a strong conservative voice, frequently appearing on TV to discuss politics and defend Trump-era policies. There are also speculations that she may play a role in future conservative movements.
Kayleigh McEnany’s Career & Media Presence
Kayleigh McEnany has had a dynamic career in media, politics, and conservative commentary. From working as a CNN commentator to serving as White House Press Secretary under Donald Trump, she has remained a prominent conservative voice. After leaving the White House, she joined Fox News, where she continues to play a key role in shaping political discussions.
White House Press Secretary (2020-2021)
In April 2020, McEnany was appointed as the 31st White House Press Secretary by then-President Donald Trump, replacing Stephanie Grisham. She took on the role at a critical time during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election.
Key Moments & Controversies During Her Tenure:
Aggressive Defense of Trump Administration: McEnany was known for her strong and direct responses to the media, often pushing back on critical coverage of the Trump administration. She frequently accused mainstream media of bias against conservatives.
Handling COVID-19 Press Briefings: She played a major role in communicating the administration’s response to COVID-19. However, she was criticized for downplaying the severity of the pandemic in some statements.
2020 Election & False Claims of Voter Fraud: During and after the 2020 presidential election, McEnany repeatedly claimed that widespread voter fraud occurred, despite a lack of credible evidence. Her statements led to fact-checking disputes with major news organizations.
Final Press Briefing: Her last White House press conference was held on January 7, 2021, a day after the Capitol riot. In her closing statement, she condemned the violence but still supported Trump’s political stance.
McEnany left office on January 20, 2021, following the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Her tenure was marked by high-profile media clashes, unwavering loyalty to Trump, and a combative press briefing style.
Fox News Career
After leaving the White House, McEnany joined Fox News as a political commentator in March 2021. She was later promoted as a co-host of “Outnumbered”, one of Fox’s highest-rated daytime shows.
Key Roles at Fox News:
Co-Host on “Outnumbered” – McEnany regularly debates current political issues alongside Harris Faulkner and Emily Compagno. She brings a pro-Trump and conservative perspective to discussions.
Guest Hosting Fox Primetime Shows – In May and June 2023, she temporarily hosted Fox News Tonight, filling in after Tucker Carlson’s departure.
Commentary on Biden Administration & 2024 Elections – She continues to criticize the Biden administration’s policies, providing analysis on key conservative talking points such as border security, inflation, and election integrity.
McEnany’s role at Fox News has helped her remain a major voice in conservative media, often influencing right-wing political discourse.
Is She Leaving Fox News?
Recently, rumors have circulated about McEnany potentially leaving Fox News. These speculations gained traction due to:
Speculation on a Future in Politics – Some reports suggest she might join a future Trump campaign or take on a political advisory role.
Fox News Layoffs & Leadership Changes – After Tucker Carlson’s exit, Fox has made several programming shifts, leading to speculation that McEnany’s role might change. However, she has denied these rumors.
No Official Statement from Fox News – As of now, there has been no official confirmation that McEnany is leaving. In fact, she continues to appear regularly on Fox News programming.
Final Verdict: Is She Leaving Fox News?
No official reports confirm that Kayleigh McEnany is leaving Fox News. While speculations persist about her returning to politics, she remains actively involved with Fox News as a co-host of Outnumbered.
Kayleigh McEnany’s Net Worth & Salary
Kayleigh McEnany has built a successful career in political media and commentary, which has contributed to her growing net worth. From her role in the White House to her position at Fox News, she has earned a substantial income through multiple revenue streams.
As of 2024, McEnany’s estimated net worth is around $1 million. However, some sources claim it could be higher due to undisclosed investments and speaking engagements.
How Much Does She Make?
McEnany’s earnings have varied throughout her career, depending on her job roles:
- White House Press Secretary Salary (2020-2021): $183,000 per year.
- Fox News Salary (2021-Present): Estimated between $500,000 – $1.8 million per year.
- Income from Public Speaking & Events: Estimated at $25,000 – $50,000 per event.
Income Sources: Media, Books, Public Speaking, Investments
Media Career (Fox News & TV Appearances)
McEnany’s primary income source is her Fox News contract, where she serves as a co-host of “Outnumbered”.
Apart from her Fox salary, she also earns additional income through guest appearances on conservative media outlets.
Books & Publishing
McEnany has authored two books that have contributed to her earnings:
- “The New American Revolution: The Making of a Populist Movement” (2018)
- “For Such a Time as This: My Faith Journey through the White House and Beyond” (2021)
Book sales, royalties, and promotions have added to her income, with royalty earnings estimated between $15,000 – $50,000 per year.
Public Speaking & Event Appearances
McEnany is a highly sought-after speaker at conservative conferences and political events.
She has spoken at major events like CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) and private Republican fundraisers. She reportedly charges between $25,000 – $50,000 per speech, depending on the event size.
Investments & Other Business Ventures
McEnany and her husband purchased a home in Tampa, Florida, for $650,000 in 2017 and later sold it for $1.1 million in 2021, profiting from real estate. She has also made small-scale business and stock investments, although details are not publicly disclosed.
Final Verdict on Kayleigh McEnany’s Net Worth & Income
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Around $1 million – $1.5 million.
- Fox News Salary: $500,000 – $1.8 million per year.
- Other Earnings: Books, speaking engagements, real estate profits.
Kayleigh McEnany’s Personal Life & Family
Kayleigh McEnany is not just known for her political career but also for her family life, which she often shares on social media. She is married to professional baseball player Sean Gilmartin, and they have a daughter together. Her faith and family values play a significant role in her life, and she often speaks about them publicly.
Husband Sean Gilmartin – Their Love Story
Kayleigh McEnany is married to Sean Gilmartin, a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. The couple met in 2015 and tied the knot in November 2017.
Key Facts About Sean Gilmartin:
- Born on May 8, 1990, in Moorpark, California.
- Played for MLB teams like the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays.
- Selected by Atlanta Braves in the 2011 MLB Draft as the 28th overall pick.
- Supports McEnany’s political career but prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
McEnany has often praised her husband for supporting her demanding career, and the two frequently attend public events together.
Kayleigh McEnany’s Children
Kayleigh McEnany and Sean Gilmartin have one daughter, Blake Avery Gilmartin, born in November 2019.
McEnany announced her daughter’s birth on Twitter, expressing gratitude and happiness. She frequently shares pictures of her family on social media, emphasizing the importance of faith and family values.
Recent News & Social Media Updates:
In October 2022, McEnany posted a heartfelt tribute to her husband and daughter, saying “Motherhood is the greatest blessing” on Instagram. She has mentioned that balancing work and family is her top priority.
Is Kayleigh McEnany Pregnant?
Recently, many people have been searching “Is Kayleigh McEnany pregnant again?” due to speculation on social media. However, as of 2024, there are no confirmed reports that she is expecting another child.
- McEnany has not made any public announcements regarding another pregnancy.
- Her recent Fox News appearances do not indicate any signs of pregnancy.
- Previous rumors in 2022 were also proven false.
Latest Update:
January 2024 – McEnany denied pregnancy rumors during a Fox News segment, stating she is focused on her career and family.
Latest News & Controversies
Kayleigh McEnany, a prominent political commentator and former White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump, has been involved in various news stories and controversies. Below is an overview of recent developments:
Why Did Kayleigh McEnany Leave Fox News?
As of February 2025, there is no verified information indicating that Kayleigh McEnany has left Fox News. She continues to serve as a co-host on “Outnumbered” and contributes across all Fox News Media platforms.
In January 2025, McEnany appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” to discuss recent events, indicating her ongoing involvement with the network.
Therefore, any claims about her departure from Fox News are currently unsubstantiated.
Kayleigh McEnany vs. Jen Psaki & Karine Jean-Pierre – Political Rivalries
The role of White House Press Secretary often places individuals in the political spotlight, leading to public comparisons and perceived rivalries. Kayleigh McEnany, who served under President Trump, has been frequently compared to her successors in the Biden administration: Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre.
Jen Psaki: Serving as Press Secretary from January 2021 to May 2022, Psaki was known for her composed demeanor and direct communication style. McEnany and Psaki occasionally exchanged critiques, reflecting their differing approaches and the administrations they represented. For instance, McEnany criticized Psaki’s handling of certain topics, suggesting a reliance on a compliant press.
While these comparisons highlight the contrasting styles and challenges of each Press Secretary, it’s essential to recognize the unique contexts and circumstances each has navigated in their respective roles.
For a visual recap of McEnany’s recent media appearances, you might find this video insightful:
FAQs
Here are concise answers to some frequently asked questions about Kayleigh McEnany:
Is Kayleigh McEnany still at Fox News?
Yes, as of February 2025, Kayleigh McEnany continues to serve as a co-host on Fox News Channel’s “Outnumbered” and contributes across all Fox News Media platforms.
Did Kayleigh McEnany pass the bar exam?
Kayleigh McEnany graduated from Harvard Law School; however, there is no public record confirming whether she has taken or passed the bar exam. This detail remains unverified.
What books has she written?
Kayleigh McEnany has authored several books:
- The New American Revolution: The Making of a Populist Movement (2018)
- For Such a Time as This: My Faith Journey through the White House and Beyond (2021)
- Serenity in the Storm: Living Through Chaos by Leaning on Christ (2023)
These works reflect her perspectives on politics, faith, and personal experiences.
What is Kayleigh McEnany doing now?
Currently, Kayleigh McEnany co-hosts “Outnumbered” on Fox News Channel, where she provides political commentary and analysis. She also engages in public speaking and has authored books sharing her insights on politics and faith.
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