In a surprising turn of events, the former White House photographer for President Gerald Ford has resigned from the board of the Gerald R Ford Presidential Foundation. David Kennerly, a Pulitzer-winning photographer, alleged that the foundation had refused to honor Liz Cheney, the anti-Trump former Republican congresswoman, due to the fear of reprisal should Donald Trump return to power next year.

The controversy centers around the prestigious Gerald R Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service, an award that has been bestowed upon individuals such as former defense secretary Robert Gates, the late Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole and his wife, former senator Elizabeth Dole, and the late secretary of state Colin Powell. Kennerly accused the foundation's executive committee and board members of rejecting Cheney's nomination because of concerns over potential backlash from the IRS if Trump were to be re-elected.

Kennerly pointed out the irony of the situation by reminding the foundation that Gerald Ford became president in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, which included Richard Nixon's use of the IRS to target his enemies. He expressed disappointment that the board failed to recognize the historical significance and feared a similar scenario if Trump were to return to power.

According to Gleaves Whitney, the executive director of the foundation, legal advisers deemed it "imprudent" to honor Cheney due to her flirtation with a presidential run. Honoring her could potentially be seen as a political statement and put the foundation at risk of losing its non-profit status with the IRS.

Liz Cheney, a staunch conservative who initially supported Trump, turned against him when he refused to accept his defeat by Joe Biden. She played a key role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol by voting to impeach Trump over his involvement in the incident. Despite losing her seat to a Trump-backed challenger, Cheney has maintained a high profile and established a political action committee to support anti-Trump candidates.

In his letter of resignation, Kennerly highlighted Gerald Ford's commitment to public service and his ability to make difficult decisions, including his controversial pardon of Nixon. Kennerly believed that Cheney, who received the Profile in Courage award alongside Ford in 2022 for her defense of democracy, deserved the same recognition.

Accusing the foundation of acquiescent behavior that could lead to authoritarianism, Kennerly criticized those who rejected Cheney's nomination, claiming they were enabling Trump's dangerous influence on the country. He argued that honoring Cheney would have sent a powerful message in support of democracy and constitutional values.

The foundation's trustees are currently meeting to discuss the matter, while Liz Cheney has not provided any comment. The resignation of Kennerly and the controversy surrounding the refusal to honor Cheney has highlighted divisions within the Republican Party and the ongoing debate over the legacy of Donald Trump.