In a surprising turn of events, Robert “Bob” Unanue, the former CEO of Goya Foods and a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, announced his departure from the company after nearly fifty years of service. The announcement was made through a self-published press release, which left many questions unanswered regarding the sudden decision. Unanue, who has been involved in controversy due to his outspoken support of Trump, stated that he was informed of his termination without a clear explanation. He noted his commitment to fighting child trafficking, linking it to what he perceives as the negative impacts of open border policies.
Fans and supporters voiced their approval of his stance on social media, with nearly 70,000 likes accumulated on his posts on X. However, his departure coincides with legal troubles stemming from a lawsuit filed by his cousin, Francisco “Frankie” Unanue, also a Goya board member. The lawsuit accuses Bob of entering a secret agreement that led to financial mismanagement within the company, which reportedly looted Goya of significant funds and compromised its IT security.
According to sources connected to Goya’s board, Bob was well aware of the reasons behind his termination, none of which were related to his political affiliations or advocacy work. This contradicts the narrative that Unanue has propagated through his social media, which often uses supporters’ sentiments to underline his causes and his fight against child trafficking. Goya has since released a statement asserting that the leadership change was unrelated to any political activities or media appearances, stressing their commitment to community welfare through initiatives like Goya Cares and Goya Gives.
The lawsuit underscores serious allegations regarding Bob’s management of the IT department at Goya. His tenure is criticized for the ineffective oversight of an IT head he appointed, leading to costly operational shutdowns and financial waste amounting to millions. These issues have surfaced in a backdrop of Bob’s previous public controversies, including derogatory remarks challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election, which once led to a censure from Goya’s board.
Bob Unanue’s past pro-Trump comments sparked boycotts against Goya, particularly after he praised Trump’s leadership at the Republican National Convention. His dual role as a business leader and political supporter has created a volatile mix that seems to be affecting the company’s image and internal dynamics. Goya’s board, primarily composed of family members, is now enmeshed in a legal battle that could impact the future of the company. The Unanue family is historically significant in the brand, having founded it in 1936, and they now face pressures from both legal allegations and public sentiment regarding political affiliations.
As these controversies unfold, the implications of Unanue’s departure resonate beyond Goya Foods, raising questions about the intersection of business, family legacies, and political ideologies in the modern corporate landscape.