Donald Trump And José Andrés Settle Lawsuit After Two-Year Legal Battle

The Trump Organization and chef José Andrés have finally reached an undisclosed legal settlement after nearly two years of courtroom banter following a restaurant contract breach.

In June 2015, Andrés dropped out of an agreement to open a restaurant inside the newly opened Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., following then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's disparaging comments toward Mexican immigrants. What followed was nearly two years of lawsuits and countersuits. In December 2016, Andrés asked Trump to "drop the whole thing" and proposed that the two parties instead donate litigation money to a veterans' nonprofit organization. The legal process began to move forward in February when Trump was quietly deposed in regard to the legal quandary.

"I am glad that we are able to put this matter behind us and move forward as friends," Donald Trump Jr., now serving as trustee for the Trump Organization, said in a joint news release with the chef's restaurant group, ThinkFoodGroup. "Since opening in September 2016, Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., has been an incredible success and our entire team has great respect for the accomplishments of both José and TFG. Without question, this is a 'win-win' for both of our companies."

Andrés added that he was "pleased that we were able to resolve our differences and move forward cooperatively, as friends."