Vance Birthday Kayak Trip Sparks Outrage Over River Level Alteration

Army Corps of Engineers Raises Water Flow for Vice President’s Family Outing

U.S. Vice President JD Vance‘s recent birthday celebration included a kayaking excursion on the Little Miami River, an event that prompted the U.S. Secret Service to request an increase in the river’s water level.

Security Measure or Entitlement?

The U.S. Secret Service stated the increased waterflow from Caesar Creek Lake was a necessary measure to ensure the safe operation of motorized watercraft and emergency personnel providing protection for the Vice President. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors deeming it an example of government overreach and entitlement, particularly in light of past calls for fiscal austerity.

“It’s outrageous for the Army corps of engineers to spend taxpayer money to increase water flow in a river so @VP can go canoeing when budget cuts to the National Park Service have severely impacted family vacations for everyone else.”

—Richard W. Painter, Former Chief White House Ethics Lawyer

The Army Corps of Engineers confirmed the temporary outflow increase was made to “support safe navigation of U.S. Secret Service personnel,” assuring that the move met operational criteria and did not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels. Stakeholders were reportedly notified in advance of the August 1, 2025, adjustment. Vance‘s spokesman, Taylor Van Kirk, stated the Vice President was unaware of the river modification, attributing it to standard Secret Service protective measures.

Echoes of Past Incidents

This incident draws parallels to a 1999 event involving Democratic Vice President Al Gore, who also faced criticism when a dam was opened to raise the Connecticut River’s level for a photo opportunity. His campaign at the time asserted he had not requested the water release.

The Vance family has previously been associated with special access during travels. Reports indicate that during a trip to Italy, the Roman Colosseum was closed to the public for their private tour, and the Taj Mahal in India was also temporarily off-limits during their visit. These instances, coupled with the river adjustment, have fueled public debate about the privileges afforded to high-ranking officials.

While the Army Corps of Engineers has not disclosed any financial impact from the river level adjustment, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed it provided two natural resources officers to assist the Secret Service during the event. In comparison, a 2023 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office found that federal agency spending on travel and events can vary significantly year to year, with some years seeing increases related to specific diplomatic or security needs (CBO, 2023).