Secret Service Raises Ohio River for JD Vance's Kayaking Trip

US Vice President JD Vance's security detail had the Little Miami River's water level raised to accommodate his kayaking trip on his 41st birthday. Critics blasted the action as a sign of the vice-president's entitlement, given the Trump administration's focus on slashing government spending. The Secret Service said the increased waterflow was necessary for safe navigation of personnel. The US Corps of Engineers declined to comment on any financial impact.

US Vice President JD Vance's security detail had the Little Miami River's water level raised to accommodate his kayaking trip on his 41st birthday. The U.S. Secret Service stated that the increased waterflow was necessary for safe navigation of personnel. Critics have blasted the action as a sign of the vice-president's entitlement, given the Trump administration's focus on slashing government spending. The US Corps of Engineers declined to comment on any financial impact.

The request from the US Secret Service to the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was made to support the safe navigation of the vice-president's security detail during a recent outing on the Little Miami River. According to a statement by the USACE, the request was made to "support safe navigation" of the vice-president's security detail for an August outing. The Guardian reported that the request was also alleged to have been made to create "ideal kayaking conditions" [1].

The news has raised questions about the potential exploitation of public infrastructure resources for personal recreation, particularly at a time when the Trump administration has cut billions of dollars in foreign aid, scientific research, and government jobs as part of its "efficiency" drive. The vice-president's office did not respond to a request for comment.

While the USACE stated that the request met operational criteria and did not require a deviation from normal procedures, critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of the administration's cuts to public services while providing special accommodations for the vice-president. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, described the action as "outrageous" and "hypocritical" [2].

The USACE regulations require approval and documentation for any changes to normal practices, including a detailed risk assessment. The USACE spokesperson, Gene Pawlik, stated that the Secret Service request "met the operational criteria outlined in the Water Control Manual for Caesar Creek Lake and did not require a deviation from normal procedures" [1].

The Little Miami River is a tributary of Caesar Creek Lake, and the USACE temporarily increased outflows from the lake to accommodate the vice-president's trip. The USACE stated that the operations would not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels, and downstream stakeholders were notified in advance of the slight outflow increase [1].

The Vance family has a history of receiving special treatment during their travels. During a recent trip to Italy, the Roman Colosseum was closed to the public for the Vance family's tour, and the Taj Mahal was closed to visitors during their visit to India [2].

The action has sparked controversy and criticism, with some questioning the use of government resources for personal recreation. The USACE's decision to raise the river's water level has been met with criticism, particularly given the administration's focus on slashing government spending.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/06/jd-vance-ohio-lake-water-levels
[2] https://nypost.com/2025/08/07/us-news/jd-vances-security-detail-requested-the-ohio-rivers-water-level-be-raised-for-the-vps-birthday-kayaking-trip/