MD Chef José Andrés Responds To Trump 'Firing' Him From Council

BETHESDA, MD — Bethesda resident and nationally renowned chef José Andrés spoke out Tuesday after Donald Trump "fired" him from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

On Monday night, President Trump posted on his Truth Social account an "Official Notice of Dismissal" and stated his administration would be "identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again."

In addition to Andrés, Trump also removed Mark Milley from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, Brian Hook from the Wilson Center for Scholars, and Keisha Lance Bottoms from the President’s Export Council. He ended the announcement with, "YOU’RE FIRED!"

Andrés served as co-chair of the federal advisory committee for two years. He was appointed to the position on March 23, 2022.

Andrés responded in a social media post the following day, stating that he had submitted his resignation a week ago at the conclusion of his term.

"I was honored to serve as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition," Andrés wrote. "My fellow council members - unpaid volunteers like me - were hardworking, talented people who inspired me every day. I’m proud of what we accomplished on behalf of the American people…like a historic partnership between the White House and every major sports league to increase access to sports and health programs for kids."

Andrés continued, urging Trump to let the council continue its work.

"May God give you the wisdom, Mr. President, to put politics and name calling aside…and instead lift up the everyday people working to bring America together. Let’s build longer tables….," Andrés wrote.

Earlier this month, Andrés was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his achievements in advancing culinary and humanitarian work. Andrés is the founder of the Global Food Institute at George Washington University and World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.