Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Hume Kennally resigned from the board of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on Tuesday and awarded the annual Medal of Merit to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) The reason was the organization’s decision not to do so. service as the reason for his retirement.
In a letter to the foundation, Kennerly, who served as chief White House photographer during President Ford’s administration, said the decision was made because some members were concerned about the possible fallout if former President Trump regained the White House in November. , said the board rejected Cheney’s nomination.
Kennerly said she sued Cheney multiple times, but when the executive committee rejected her a third time, “it became very clear to me that something else was going on.” “The process of honoring President Ford by recognizing his accomplishments was undermining the virtues of others by the same pressures that are undermining the Republican establishment and many conservative leaders.” .”
“The main reason Liz’s nomination was rejected was your fear of what would happen if the former president were re-elected. Some of you may have been attacked by the Internal Revenue Service in retaliation for selecting Liz for the award, and the Foundation “Some feared that they would lose their tax-exempt status,” he wrote. get the letter Written by Politico.
Greaves Whitney, executive director of the Ford Presidential Foundation, outlined concerns about losing IRS tax-exempt status in a statement, citing media reports that Mr. Cheney may have been tax-exempt. He said it was “unwise” to award the award to He is considering running for president.
However, Whitney said, “Mr. Cheney meets all the criteria for the Ford Presidential Foundation Medal, including courage, integrity, and a passion for serving the American people.” “This in no way precludes serious consideration for receiving the Ford Presidential Foundation Medal.” In future years we will win medals. ”
But Kennerley said in the letter that “the irony of history has not fully gotten to you.”
“Gerald Ford became president in part because Richard Nixon ordered an enemy list and required his subordinates to use the Internal Revenue Service against those on the list.” he writes. “If there is a second Donald Trump, that is exactly what the Executive Committee is concerned about.”
In his letter, Mr. Kennally criticized many institutions for shrinking in the face of Mr. Trump’s possible return to the White House and warned of the dangers to democracy.
“You are not alone. Many foundations, organizations, corporations, and other entities are caught up in the tidal wave of cowardice and fear sweeping this country,” Kennerly wrote. “We mistakenly thought we were better. This is the kind of acquiescence that leads to authoritarianism. President Ford would probably have taken an even harder line and said this was directly linked to fascism.”
“Those who rejected Liz now join the many ‘good Republicans’ who are aiding and abetting our 45th president in ignoring the real threat he poses to our country. America is lucky. Best of all, Liz Cheney is still on the freedom front lines, vigorously defending the Constitution and the democratic way of life. But you’re not getting her back.”
“By not respecting Liz’s courage, determination, and integrity, you are retreating and crouching behind a wall of silence,” he wrote.
Kennerly said he believes Ford “would have stood shoulder to shoulder with Liz Cheney, strong, proud, and publicly.” Gerald Ford would not have been intimidated by phantom results. He would have adopted a ‘kill the torpedoes’ approach in doing the right thing. ”
He also criticized the executive committee’s decision as short-sighted.
“By not selecting Liz as this year’s medal recipient, the Ford Foundation is missing an important opportunity to send a message to our fellow citizens here in America and around the world. continues to remember his allies, his commitment to the rule of law, and to challenges posed by oppressive leaders. We stand with Liz Cheney in the name of Gerald Ford and honor her commitment to this moment of existential recognition. “By supporting an important mission, we would also be honoring his memory. And showing that we fear no evil,” he wrote.
Cheney has been outspoken about the dangers a second Trump term poses to American democracy. She is vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, which began after President Trump and his allies seized power after his loss in the 2020 presidential election. It chronicled the extensive efforts undertaken to maintain it.
Kennerly Confirmed He announced his resignation in a post about X, saying it was a “difficult decision” but “necessary.”
“I hope more people across the country will follow @Liz_Cheney’s example and speak out about the threats to our democracy. It’s time to step up,” he added.
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