Robert Alt
As seen in:
Forbes,
The Wall Street Journal,
Aol,
Fox News,
The Hill,
National Review,
Yahoo,
WND,
The Columbus Dispatch,
The Daily Signal
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Robert Alt
Central Ohio Resident/The Buckeye Institute CEO Returns from Russia After Achieving Elite Mountaineering Feat
Robert Alt Becomes First Think Tank President in History to Climb All Seven Summits of the World Columbus, OH — On Friday, The Buckeye Institute proudly announced the triumphant return of its intrepid leader Robert Alt who journeyed to Russia and climbed the tallest mountain in Europe (Mt. Elbrus), fulfilling his longstanding goal of summiting the respective peak of each of the seven continents on Earth.
Will the U.S. Supreme Court legalize home distilling?
Ohioan John Ream is an accomplished aerospace engineer and brewery owner. He would like to try his hand at making Bourbon. However, federal law prohibits distilling spirited beverages at home. On Monday, he filed a petition in the Supreme Court of the United States asking it to hear his case, which raises important questions about the limits of federal power. Home distilling is, of course, as American as apple pie, and certainly a lot older.
Will the Supreme Court finally legalize your grandfather's whiskey still?
This week, Robert Alt, The Buckeye Institute’s president and chief executive officer, joined David DesRosiers on Get Real, RealClear’s premier streaming news show, to discuss what is at stake in Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury—one of Buckeye’s two cases seeking to overturn the federal ban on home distilling. Buckeye filed its petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to hear the case, which raises important questions about the limits of federal power.
Will the Supreme Court legalize home distilling?
By Andrew M. Grossman & Robert Alt Real Clear Wire Ohioan John Ream is an accomplished aerospace engineer and brewery owner. He would like to try his hand at making Bourbon. However, federal law prohibits distilling spirited beverages at home. On Monday, he filed a petition in the Supreme Court of the United States asking it to hear his case, which raises important questions about the limits of federal power. Home distilling is, of course, as American as apple pie, and certainly a lot older.
Will the Supreme Court Legalize Home Distilling?
Ohioan John Ream is an accomplished aerospace engineer and brewery owner. He would like to try his hand at making Bourbon. However, federal law prohibits distilling spirited beverages at home. On Monday, he filed a petition in the Supreme Court of the United States asking it to hear his case, which raises important questions about the limits of federal power. Home distilling is, of course, as American as apple pie, and certainly a lot older.
It's Time to Legalize Home Distilling
When Jimmy Carter legalized home brewing in the 1970s, it unleashed a wave of American innovation that changed the craft beer market forever. Now, there is an opportunity to do the same thing with distilled spirits. Robert Alt, president and CEO of The Buckeye Institute, joined Matt Kibbe on Kibbe on Liberty to discuss Buckeye’s cases—Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury and McNutt v. U.S. Department of Justice—to end the federal ban on home distilling.
Getting to the Supreme Court Along Thunder Road
Hans von Spakovsky’s guest is Robert Alt, president of The Buckeye Institute, discussing two lawsuits the Ohio organization is pursuing that challenge the federal ban on home distilling, which one appeals court has upheld, and another has ruled unconstitutional. Classic movie review of the 1958 film noir, “Thunder Road,” in which Robert Mitchum plays a Korean War veteran who fights both mobsters and Federal agents when he takes over his family’s bootlegging business.
Home distilling hits a wall of government overreach and confusion
Opinion>Opinions - Judiciary The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill by Robert Alt, opinion contributor - 05/01/26 11:30 AM ET Link copied by Robert Alt, opinion contributor - 05/01/26 11:30 AM ET Link copied Master Distiller, Donnis Todd, of Hye, TX, examines a still displayed by Artisan Still Design during the American Distilling Institute’s 10th Annual Craft Spirits Conference & Vendors Expo at the downtown Sheraton in Denver, CO April 02, 2013. (Craig F.
Opinion - Home distilling hits a wall of government overreach and confusion
Novelist William Faulkner reportedly observed that “civilization begins with distillation.” Yet how civilized is any society that criminalizes the American-as-apple-pie hobby of home-distilling, a proud tradition carried on by our first president long predating our great nation? You may be surprised to learn that producing even a single ounce of spirited beverage at home for your own personal consumption constitutes a felony. How can that be?
Opinion - Home distilling hits a wall of government overreach and confusion
Novelist William Faulkner reportedly observed that “civilization begins with distillation.” Yet how civilized is any society that criminalizes the American-as-apple-pie hobby of home-distilling, a proud tradition carried on by our first president long predating our great nation? You may be surprised to learn that producing even a single ounce of spirited beverage at home for your own personal consumption constitutes a felony. How can that be?
Home distilling hits a wall of government overreach and confusion
The Hill first published this opinion piece. “The federal law prohibiting home distilling is un-American in both its spirit and letter. It is also unconstitutional.” In McNutt v. U.S. Department of Justice and Ream v.
OPINION: Link to OSU president scandal shows JobsOhio festers in darkness Original
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Recent reports that JobsOhio sponsored a podcast with next-to-no audience and even fewer jobs created revived legitimate questions about public transparency and accountability. The infamous mushroom theory of management, whereby citizens are kept in the dark and fed manure, has run its course.
Link to OSU president scandal shows JobsOhio festers in darkness | Opinion Original
April 8, 2026, 5:31 a.m. ET Dave Yost is Ohio's attorney general. Robert Alt is president and chief executive officer ofThe Buckeye Institute. Recent reports that JobsOhio sponsored a podcast with next-to-no audience and even fewer jobs created revived legitimate questions about public transparency and accountability. The infamous mushroom theory of management, whereby citizens are kept in the dark and fed manure, has run its course.
Robert Alt Joins the Case in Point Podcast to Discuss Buckeye v. IRS & Climbing Everest
Robert Alt, president and CEO of The Buckeye Institute, joins Case in Point host Hans von Spakovsky to discuss Buckeye’s lawsuit against the IRS—Buckeye v. IRS—and the dangers posed to the privacy of the public by IRS regulations and mishandling of taxpayer information. They also delve into Robert’s experience as a mountain climber and his recent ascent of Mt. Everest.
Robert Alt Featured in Premier Nepali Business Magazine
'Free markets unlock growth by aligning individual and societal interests' Robert Alt, President and CEO, The Buckeye Institute Robert Alt is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Buckeye Institute, a prominent free-market think tank based in Columbus, Ohio in the United States. At 51, he brings with him not only the experience of a seasoned legal professional but also the spirit of an adventurer.
Robert Alt Joins the Cato Daily Podcast to Discuss Buckeye v. IRS
The Buckeye Institute is challenging the Internal Revenue Service-practice of collecting and storing information on donors to American charities and nonprofit organizations. Robert Alt, president and chief executive officer of The Buckeye Institute, joins the Cato Daily Podcast to discuss Buckeye v. IRS—Buckeye’s case challenging the IRS-required disclosure of private donor information to the government—and explain why the case matters.
OPINION: Minimum wage amendment would wreak absolute havoc. One Fair Wage pulled switcheroo.
Robert Alt is the president and chief executive officer of the Buckeye Institute. One Fair Wage, the sponsor pushing Raise the Wage Ohio — the proposed constitutional amendment that would artificially raise the state’s minimum wage — seems poised to pull an audacious switcheroo on early amendment supporters and unsuspecting Ohio voters. And the consequences, if they get away with it, could be catastrophic. Amending the Ohio Constitution is a big deal.
Is Home-Distilling Commerce? The Buckeye Institute's Robert Alt Joins Fed Soc Forum
The Buckeye Institute recently filed Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury on behalf of John Ream of Licking County, Ohio, asking the court to overturn the federal government’s ban on the home distilling of spirited beverages and arguing that this ban exceeds Congressional authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution and violates the Tenth Amendment.
Local business owner is challenging law involving home distilling
Home distilling is illegal under federal law, but represented by The Buckeye Institute John Ream is challenging that prohibition in Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury, arguing that homemade spirits are a hobby as American as apple pie. The Buckeye Institute’s Robert Alt joins Anna Staver on All Sides to discuss the case.
A Would-Be Home Distiller Fights Back in Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury
An engineer and brewer thought he would take up home distilling as a hobby, but he then learned it’s a federal crime. In Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury, he’s fighting back. The Buckeye Institute’s Robert Alt, John Ream’s attorney, explains.
The Buckeye Institute's Robert Alt Joins FedSoc's Courthouse Steps Preview to Discuss Upcoming SCOTUS Oral Arguments
On March 18, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear two cases related to “jawboning”—Murthy v. Missouri and NRA v. Vullo. Murthy v. Missouri, originally filed as Missouri v. Biden, concerns whether federal government officials had violated the First Amendment by ‘coercing” or “significantly encouraging” social media companies to remove or demote particular content from their platforms.
Net-zero banking aimed at carbon emissions would hurt farmers
This opinion piece was first published in The Gazette. State agriculture officials from twelve states, including Iowa’s own Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, recently signed a joint letter to six of the country’s largest investment banks expressing concerns over the banks’ support for net-zero banking practices promoted by the United Nations and climate-control activists.
Vote 'yes' on Issue 1 to 'fend off the Californication of Ohio'
This opinion piece was first published in The Columbus Dispatch. On August 8, Ohioans go to the polls to vote on Issue 1, which is an amendment to our state constitution that would raise the threshold for passing future amendments from the currently required 50 plus 1 to 60 percent of voters. You read that correctly: It is an amendment to protect against future constitutional amendments. Ohioans are duly confused about what is as stake.
Taxation Without Representation Meets the 21st Century
Original Article Posted By: Moritz55, 6/23/2023 6:07:17 PM Who is authorized to tax the income of a commuter who doesn't commute? This question-born of the pandemic and currently pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio-could be coming to a tax bill near you, and soon. Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, government orders forced millions of employees to work from home instead of at their usual offices.
Taxation Without Representation Meets the 21st Century
Who is authorized to tax the income of a commuter who doesn't commute? This question-born of the pandemic and currently pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio-could be coming to a tax bill near you, and soon. Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, government orders forced millions of employees to work from home instead of at their usual offices. These orders accelerated a trend which had already begun toward remote and hybrid work and-three years later-is all but entrenched.
Taxation Without Representation Meets the 21st Century
This opinion piece was first published by RealClear Policy. Who is authorized to tax the income of a commuter who doesn’t commute? This question—born of the pandemic and currently pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio—could be coming to a tax bill near you, and soon. Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, government orders forced millions of employees to work from home instead of at their usual offices.
Taxation Without Representation Meets the 21st Century
Who is authorized to tax the income of a commuter who doesn’t commute? This question—born of the pandemic and currently pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio—could be coming to a tax bill near you, and soon. Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, government orders forced millions of employees to work from home instead of at their usual offices. These orders accelerated a trend which had already begun toward remote and hybrid work and—three years later—is all but entrenched.
Arne Duncan's Test on a Federal Education Bailout
January 13, 2009 2 min read Robert Alt Former Visiting Fellow Robert is a former Visiting Fellow EDUCATION NOTEBOOK: By Lindsey Burke Arne Duncan will face many questions when he appears on Capitol Hill for his Senate confirmation hearing. But one of the most important will be whether the Education Secretary-designate supports the proposed federal "bailout" for state and local public education budgets.
Obama's Ideas for a Radical Court
In a 2001 radio interview that's just come to light, Barack Obama discussed the Supreme Court's role in redistributing wealth. Call it Obama's "Joe the Plumber meets Justice Brennan" moment. Contrary to some screaming Web discussions, Obama did not - at least as a practical matter - promote using the courts to redistribute wealth. Yet the interview was still revealing.
In Pork Case, California Tries to Impose its Laws on Other States
Can California reach beyond its borders and replace other states’ policy choices with its own? In National Pork Producers Council v. Ross—popularly known as the bacon case—the US Supreme Court is considering just that question. The case involves California’s Proposition 12, which prohibits the sale of pork in California when that pork’s production doesn’t meet California’s regulatory requirements. As a constitutional matter, California has gone hog wild.
In Pork Case, California Tries to Impose its Laws on Other States
Can California reach beyond its borders and replace other states’ policy choices with its own? In National Pork Producers Council v. Ross—popularly known as the bacon case—the US Supreme Court is considering just that question. The case involves California’s Proposition 12, which prohibits the sale of pork in California when that pork’s production doesn’t meet California’s regulatory requirements. As a constitutional matter, California has gone hog wild.
Originalism Bolsters the Democratic Process by Checking Judges
Photo by Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images Opinion Nov. 15, 2022, 9:00 AM The Buckeye Institute’s Robert Alt explains how an originalist approach to the Constitution respects the democratic process. He says this interpretation is a check on abuses by the majority against the minority, and prevents judges from substituting their own views. In his landmark 1803 opinion Marbury v.
Opinion | Ohio Pig Farmers Didn’t Get a Vote on California’s Proposition 12 Original
The Supreme Court will hear “the bacon case” on Oct. 11. National Pork Producers Council v. Ross challenges California’s Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, also known as Proposition 12. It’s an ill-conceived and unconstitutional 2018 law that attempts to use the Golden State’s enormous market power as leverage to regulate pig farming nationwide. California lawmakers often presume they know what’s best—in this case for pigs and pig farmers across the country.
2018 Fellowship Alumni Retreat
Remarks accepting the Claremont Institute’s Henry Salvatori Prize for helping to secure the teachings of the American founding. Washington, D.C., October 27, 2018
Robert Alt, Author at The American Mind
features 9 minutes Remembering Roger L. Beckett Robert Alt Requiescat in pace Roger L. Beckett: January 6, 1974 – September 14, 2018 Uncategorized features 2 minutes The Otherwise Minded Robert Alt We are fortunate to live in a country where we enjoy the freedoms that many "otherwise minded" died elsewhere to achieve. Uncategorized
Rob Portman's legacy on crack sentencing disparities Original
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As U.S. Senator Rob Portman enters his last year of public service in the U.S. Senate, those keeping score would have to agree that his tenure has been remarkably successful by any measure. And his most significant impact may very well be yet to come. Under Portman’s steady leadership, Congress finally appears ready to acknowledge and fix a glaring 35-year-old legislative mistake.
Opinion | Biden’s Lawless Vaccine Mandate
President Biden told unvaccinated Americans this month: “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. . . So, please, do the right thing.” He backed up this request with a series of new regulatory mandates, including one from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which directs businesses with 100 or more employees to make vaccination a condition of employment. The Covid vaccine has been widely hailed as a modern scientific miracle.
Opinion | Washington Has No Authority to Dictate State Taxes
By Robert Alt May 7, 2021 5:45 pm ET Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hold the signed American Rescue Plan Act in Washington, March 10. Photo: olivier douliery/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images Columbus, Ohio Congressional Democrats last month quietly attempted one of the most sweeping takeovers of state policy making in American history. The ill-conceived American Rescue Plan Act offered states nearly $200 billion in emergency pandemic-relief funding.
For remote workers, taxation without representation
When Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020, many New Hampshire residents who were commuting to the Bay State began working from home instead. Ordinarily, Massachusetts could not continue withholding taxes from these workers' paychecks while they were not working in the Bay State. But under a new , out-of-state remote workers were required to continue paying income tax to Massachusetts - a state where they do not live, cannot vote, and no longer work.
The Money Behind Janus: It’s Déjà vu All Over Again | National Review
This morning, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31. The case asks a similar question to one raised just two years ago in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association — namely whether forcing a public employee to choose between subsidizing a union’s political speech or being subject to termination for failure to do so violates the First Amendment.
Association for Community Affiliated Plans v. U.S. Dept. of the Treasury
Congress has allowed short‐term, limited duration insurance (STLDI) to be exempt from the statutory requirements applicable to other federally recognized individual health insurance plans. While Congress has known of and provided for such insurance, it has never defined the term or duration of STLDI.
Remembering Roger L. Beckett
Requiescat in pace Roger L. Beckett: January 6, 1974 – September 14, 2018 Roger Beckett and I were the best of friends. And it is appropriate to offer a few words to honor him tonight at the Salvatori Dinner since we met more than two decades ago through the Claremont Institute’s Publius Fellowship. Little did I know back then, but Roger and I being accepted into that program at the same time was no coincidence—this meeting had in fact been carefully planned for some time.
Public Employees Won Big Over Unions This Summer. Here's the Next Fight Ahead.
This past Labor Day weekend, it was fitting to honor and celebrate the hardworking public servants who teach our children, pave our roads, and serve in state and local government across the country. Unfortunately, many of these servants are being denied their free speech rights by state governments that force them to accept representation by a labor union. We owe it to them to fix that problem. In late June, the Supreme Court freed public workers from a related burden in the case of Janus v.
It's time to stop forcing workers to labor under exclusive representation
Labor Day offers an appropriate annual reminder to consider the big issues and court cases on matters of freedom affecting workers. Janus v. AFSCME was a major victory for the First Amendment rights of public workers, who can no longer be forced to subsidize the speech of labor unions. Janus recognized that practically everything a public-sector union does is speech on matters of public concern.
Hand-me-down unions don't work for current workers
The recent issue over a potential federal government shutdown reminded us that Americans rely on our public employees to provide and maintain important services across the country. Federal, state, local or public-sector employees are too often represented by hand-me-down labor unions that current workers inherited from government employees of a bygone era. Historically, labor unions have played a significant role in fighting for both workers rights and fair representation at the bargaining table.
It's Time For Public Sector Workers To Be Given A Voice And Choice
Early next year, the Supreme Court will hear Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31. Mark Janus is a child support specialist at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service who objects to paying union fees, which are currently a condition of his employment. He argues that the compulsory fees force him to speak through his union in ways that violate his First Amendment rights.
Robert Alt -- Buckeye Institute Chief Should be Federal Judge | National Review
I write to endorse the suggestion of conservative champion and former Ohio secretary of state Ken Blackwell that NRO’s old friend and sometime contributor Robert Alt be nominated to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have been told quite reliably (although not by Robert himself, to whom I haven’t spoken in quite some time) that Robert is indeed on at least a semi-short list for the spot (i.e., under serious, rather than just cursory, consideration).
Supreme Court Friedrichs Case: No Decision
Today the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. This case asks whether forcing a public-school teacher to choose between paying agency fees to a union that supports speech with which she disagrees or subjecting herself to termination violates the First Amendment. It is worth pausing to reflect on the fact that the decision occurred today. No one who heard the oral arguments in January could have predicted a decision by the Court in March.
National Review Online
In the course of his ongoing crusade for Medicaid expansion, Ohio governor John Kasich has suggested that Ronald Reagan, Saint Peter, and God Himself all would support his plan to accept Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. While we do not have special insight into the mind of the Almighty or His divine agents, we do know something about Ronald Reagan.
Repairing 'Mens Rea' Requirements
Concerns about policy uncertainty have intensified in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, serial crises in the Eurozone, and partisan...
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Robert
Contact Robert, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack