Renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony on Saturday. The Spanish-American chef, known for revolutionizing the tapas scene in the US and leading the World Central Kitchen initiative, was honored alongside other luminaries, including Hillary Clinton, Bono, and Lionel Messi. However, his moment of triumph is now overshadowed by a shocking photo of Andrés with Ryan Wesley Routh, the man who attempted to assassinate incoming President Donald Trump in September.
The disturbing image shows Andrés with Routh, who allegedly tried to kill Trump while the former president was golfing at his West Palm Beach club. Secret Service agents foiled the assassination attempt when they saw Routh carrying a gun, though he hadn’t fired. The situation unfolded quickly as Routh fled the scene, dropping his AR-15-style rifle, only to be captured by nearby police.

While the photo of Andrés with Routh has raised eyebrows, the chef’s legacy remains firmly rooted in his humanitarian work. Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization that feeds people in disaster zones. His work has earned him widespread recognition, including the National Humanities Medal, which he received from the White House in 2016.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Joe Biden, recognizes outstanding individuals in fields ranging from science and politics to civil rights and entertainment. Despite the unexpected controversy, Andrés stands firm in his commitment to making the world a better place through food and charity.