Chef Jose Andres called GOP presidential candidate Donald J. Trump a “clever maniac” Wednesday, saying Mr. Trump’s immigration plans would deprive the U.S. of the labor force that staffs restaurants.
Mr. Andres, speaking to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s annual conference, said he came to the U.S. on a legal visa, but said illegal immigrants deserve the chance to get legal status as repayment for their work.
“What we want is that every one of those people that are feeding America receive legal status so we can keep feeding America,” the chef said, adding that the country should also resolve to boost their wages so they can avoid having to live on welfare.
Mr. Andres had been contracted to open a flagship restaurant in a building project Mr. Trump is working on in Washington, but broke that contract after Mr. Trump called for deporting illegal immigrants as he kicked off his presidential campaign.
Mr. Trump has sued Mr. Andres over the breach.
Mr. Andres didn’t refer to Mr. Trump by name, but he did call him a “clever maniac saying we’re going to be kicking out 11 million.”
“Who is going to be feeding America if we kick everybody who is feeding America out?” Mr. Andres said.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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