Secret Service Raised Ohio River Level for JD Vance’s Birthday Kayaking Trip

         

                          The Little Miami River in Oregonia, Ohio, whose water level was raised to accommodate the trip.     

In a move stirring both curiosity and criticism, the U.S. Secret Service requested a temporary increase in the water level of Ohio’s Little Miami River to accommodate Vice President JD Vance’s birthday kayaking trip on August 2. The adjustment was made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who increased outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to ensure safe navigation for motorized watercraft and emergency personnel accompanying the vice president.

Vance, who turned 41, was reportedly unaware of the river modification, according to his spokesperson. “The Secret Service often employs protective measures without the knowledge of the Vice President or his staff,” said Taylor Van Kirk.

Critics, however, have voiced concern over the use of public resources for personal leisure. Ethics lawyer Richard Painter called the move “outrageous,” citing budget cuts to the National Park Service that have impacted ordinary Americans’ vacations. The incident echoes a similar controversy from 1999, when water was released for then-Vice President Al Gore’s photo-op canoe trip.

The Army Corps stated the operation met standard criteria and did not adversely affect surrounding water levels. Still, the optics of the event have sparked debate over privilege and public accountability.