"If you're called by the president of the United States, you're going to say, 'No I'm sorry, I'm busy, no thank you?' I didn't say that to the Obamas and I didn't say that to President Trump."

In his brief remarks at the White House Thursday, Unanue announced Goya would donate 1 million cans of Goya chickpeas and 1 million other food products to American food banks.

He said the company wanted to help families hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are very proud to give back to this nation, to the food banks which are going to be needing some of that important food," he said.

A Goya spokesman said the purpose of Unanue's White House appearance was to announce the donation and support Trump's initiative.

Goya did not comment on the boycott calls.

Unanue has donated to Republicans in recent years, including $6,000 to the Republican National Committee and $1,000 to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in 2017 when he was running for president, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.