Who is chef Jose Andres and why was he fired by Donald Trump?

HUGE changes have swept through The White House just hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as President for the second time.

The Republican leader ruthlessly dismissed Joe Biden's administration, including celebrity chef Jose Andres.

Who is Jose Andrés?

José Ramón Andrés Puerta is a Spanish-American chef and restaurateur.

He was born on July 13, 1969, in Spain and immigrated to America in 1991.

He and his partners set up a group of award-winning restaurants in .

According to his website, he is a proud Spanish immigrant and American citizen and represents the two nations.

Andrés owns minibar in Washington DC, which has two Michelin stars.

He also has four Bib Gourmands, and owns numerous restaurants across the United States.

In 2010 he established World Central Kitchen, a charity that provides food for people affected by war, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.

In September 2024, it was revealed that Andrés had joined Prince William's Earthshot Prize Council.

He is a close pal of the prince's brother Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Andrés on January 4, 2025.

Andrés married Patricia Fernandez de la Cruz on September 1, 1995.

In 2013, the pair became US citizens.

They have three daughters - Carlota, Ines, and Lucia.

Why was Jose Andrés fired by President Trump?

Trump announced that his personnel office is "actively in the process of identifying and removing" Biden's former appointees.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Media, he said: “Our first day in the White House is not over yet!

"My Presidential Personnel Office is actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again."

Andrés was one of 1,000 staff members to get the boot - others include former retired US Army general Mark Milley and US Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan.

Trump wrote: “Let this serve as Official Notice of Dismissal for these 4 individuals, with many more, coming soon:

“Jose Andres from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, 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 — YOU’RE FIRED!”

Andrés has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his policies.

The chef retweeted Trump's post and hit back with: "I submitted my resignation last week... my 2 year term was already up.

"I was honored to serve as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

"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.

"I hope @realdonaldtrump exercises his presidential authority so the Council can continue to advocate for fitness and good health for all Americans.

"These are bipartisan issues…nonpartisan issues."

He added: "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."