Washington D.C. – Renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés is no longer serving on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The departure comes amidst a change in presidential administration, with Donald Trump taking office on January 21st, 2025. While initial reports suggested Andrés was among a group of appointees dismissed by the new president, Andrés clarified that he had already submitted his resignation prior to President Trump’s inauguration.
Andrés’ Tenure and Departure
José Andrés, a Spanish-American chef and founder of the non-profit World Central Kitchen, was appointed as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition by former President Joe Biden in 2022. His two-year term was set to expire, and Andrés stated he had submitted his resignation the previous week. The council, which can have up to 30 members, is designed to advise the Department of Health and Human Services on ways to promote physical activity, sports, and nutrition across the nation. Members are selected based on their experience in fields such as sports, healthcare, nutrition, education, and public health.
President Trump, on his first day back in office, announced his intention to remove over 1,000 appointees from the previous administration, stating that they were “not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again.” Among those initially reported as fired were Andrés, retired General Mark Milley, former State Department official Brian Hook, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. These individuals held positions on various councils and boards. Trump’s announcement, made via a post on Truth Social, included his signature phrase: “YOU’RE FIRED!”.
However, Andrés took to social media to clarify his departure, stating that his term was already over and he had resigned the previous week. He also urged President Trump to “put politics and name calling aside… and instead lift up the everyday people working to bring America together.”
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition plays a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles across the United States. The council aims to educate, engage, and empower Americans to adopt habits that include regular physical activity and good nutrition. The council includes a diverse range of members including professional and amateur athletes, fitness industry professionals, media personalities, and those from non-profit organizations. The council consists of up to 30 members. They are appointed by the President and serve at the President’s pleasure. Currently, there are 21 members and three co-chairs.
The council works to promote its message and initiatives through speaking engagements, media events and advising the government on related policy matters. Previous chairpersons of the council have included prominent figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner.
Trump’s Mass Appointee Removal
President Trump’s move to remove over 1,000 appointees is part of a broader effort to reshape the federal bureaucracy. This action follows his vow to dismantle what he calls the “deep state” by purging civil servants who do not align with his agenda. He also aims to remove job protections from as many as 50,000 federal employees.
This is not the first time a presidential administration has removed appointees from the previous administration, former President Joe Biden also removed many Trump appointees in his first days in office, including former press secretary Sean Spicer. However, Trump’s mass removal plan is on a much larger scale.
José Andrés: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence and Humanitarian Work
José Andrés is not only a celebrated chef and restaurateur but also a prominent humanitarian. Born in Spain, he moved to the United States in the early 1990s and has since opened restaurants in numerous American cities. He has received several James Beard Awards for his culinary contributions and has also been recognized for his humanitarian work.
Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that provides meals in the wake of natural disasters. His organization has been active in providing aid globally, and he was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2015 for his work with the World Central Kitchen. He also holds honorary doctorates from several prestigious universities including Georgetown, Harvard, and Tufts, and is a professor at George Washington University.
Andrés’ career is marked by his culinary innovation, credited with bringing the small plates dining concept to the United States. He has used his position to highlight social issues and advocates for food security. He has been recognized with the National Humanities Medal for his global humanitarian efforts.
Looking Forward
The departure of José Andrés from the President’s Council marks a transition in leadership and reflects the broader changes occurring in Washington D.C. Andrés’ work both in the culinary world and in humanitarian aid remains noteworthy, as does his commitment to supporting communities in need. While his term with the council has ended, his influence on both the food industry and disaster relief remains considerable. His departure underscores the changes taking place within the government as the new administration takes shape, and also highlights the commitment of people like José Andrés to focusing on solutions that bring people together rather than divide.
