José Andrés, Linda Fagan and Other High-Profile Appointees Among Those Dismissed
On the first day of his presidency, Donald Trump wasted no time in asserting his control over the White House, announcing that his Presidential Personnel Office was in the process of identifying and removing individuals from Joe Biden’s administration. Among those dismissed were notable figures, including celebrity chef José Andrés, US Coast Guard Commandant Adm Linda Fagan, and retired General Mark Milley, who had been a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, President Trump declared that the appointees being removed were not in alignment with his vision to “Make America Great Again.” He emphasised that over a thousand positions would be filled with individuals who share his ideals, with further announcements expected in the days and weeks ahead.
Trump specifically named the individuals being let go, including José Andrés from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and Mark Milley from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, as well as Brian Hook and Keisha Lance Bottoms. “YOU’RE FIRED!” Trump wrote, marking a clear break with the previous administration.
General Milley, who had served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first term, had recently been the recipient of a pre-emptive pardon from President Biden, just hours before the latter left office. This pardon was not an admission of guilt, Biden clarified, emphasising that it was a gesture of gratitude for Milley’s long service. In a statement, Milley expressed his appreciation for the pardon, stating that after 43 years of service, he wished to avoid unnecessary conflict and distractions.
José Andrés, a renowned chef and philanthropist, was appointed by President Biden in 2022 to co-chair the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. However, despite his efforts in humanitarian work through World Central Kitchen, which provides meals during crises, Andrés has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies. His removal from the council is part of the broader purge of appointees initiated by the new president.
