Details surrounding Vice President JD Vance’s security have led to a recent increase in the Ohio River levels. This adjustment was made to support a kayak trip he and his family took for his 41st birthday celebration.
The US Secret Service reported that it requested a boost in water flow from the Little Miami River, as highlighted by the Guardian, to ensure that both vehicles and paramedics could operate safely while protecting the vice president in Cincinnati.
This move, however, faced swift criticism, with opponents arguing that it showcases the vice president’s excessive privileges, especially in light of the Trump administration’s efforts to minimize government spending.
Richard W. Painter, who served as the chief ethics lawyer at the White House during George W. Bush’s presidency, voiced his outrage on social media, stating, “It’s unacceptable for the Army Corps of Engineers to utilize taxpayer funds to elevate river levels for the vice president’s kayaking while budget cuts have severely impacted family vacations for everyone else.”
In reference to a temporary increase in runoff from Caesar Creek Lake in southwestern Ohio, a spokesperson, Jean Polik, explained that this measure was taken to facilitate safe navigation for Secret Service personnel.
The Corps asserted that the operation would adhere to operational standards and is deemed a common practice.
The statement indicated that the changes would not harm upstream or downstream water levels. It read, “Downstream stakeholders were informed ahead of the slight increase in the spill that took place on August 1, 2025.” Vance’s birthday was the following day.
Caesar Creek Lake spans over 2,830 acres and features multiple launch ramps, marinas, campsites, and lodges, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Additionally, two natural resource officers were assigned to assist the Secret Service during the event, as mentioned by spokesperson Karina Chen.
The Vance family is accustomed to such specific arrangements while traveling. For instance, during a recent trip to Italy, the Roman Colosseum was closured to the public so that Vance’s wife, Usha, and their children could have a private tour, resulting in discontent among other tourists.
During a past visit to India, the Taj Mahal was also off-limits to regular visitors while the Vance family toured.
Such preferential treatment isn’t limited to one political faction. In 1999, for instance, then-President Al Gore was granted access to the Connecticut River for photo opportunities, leading utility officials to release 4 billion gallons of water to elevate the river’s level following Secret Service reviews, which also prompted political backlash.
While Gore’s team stated they didn’t request the water release at that time, a spokesperson for Vance’s office chose not to comment on the recent developments.
