WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- World-renowned chef Jose Andres says he's not in a battle with GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, despite his decision to plug on his plans for a restaurant in Trump's planned luxury hotel in DC.
Jose Andres is an immigrant himself. He's from Spain and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2013, which why Trump's remarks clearly touched a nerve.
Andres said "no comment" when asked why he made the decision.
"It's not a battle anywhere. I think this is a great project. This is going to create an amazing amount of jobs to this city," Andres said.
But his remarks to the graduating class of D.C. Central Kitchen were thinly veiled.
"Every person should be getting the respect of the person next to them. If we don't have respect, we have nothing...Everybody belongs!"
It was clear he had plenty of support.
"Thank you for your stance on the Trump hotel. We really appreciate that," said Elisa Silverman.
"I know I get to speak for all of us when I say to this man, we are with you always," Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
In an emotional moment, Andres was awarded an honorary diploma.
"This is the first graduation diploma I ever held in my life," he said.
D.C. Central's Culinary Job Training program equips previously incarcerated, homeless, unemployed and under-employed adults for career in the food service industry.
Friday's was the 100th graduating class. The 14-week program has a 93 percent job placement rate.
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