The celebration of Vice President JD Vance's 41st birthday has stirred controversy following revelations that the Secret Service had water levels raised for his kayaking trip on the Little Miami River. As reported by ABC6, the Secret Service requested an increased water flow from Caesar Creek Lake to ensure the operation of motorized watercraft for Vance's security. However, this decision has faced criticism for potential misuse of taxpayer funds, especially given the current administration's stance on government spending cuts.
According to a Guardian report, Vance's spokesperson claimed the Vice President and his staff were unaware of the altered river conditions, stating, "The Secret Service often employs protective measures without the knowledge of the vice-president or his staff, as was the case last weekend." Meanwhile, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) argued that raising the river's level fell within normal procedures and was necessary for safe navigation.
Amid this backdrop, previous instances of similar security measures have emerged, one incident involving former Vice President Al Gore back in 1999 also came under scrutiny when water levels were manipulated for a publicized canoe trip, as WLWT reported. The Secret Service's decisions for such operations, carried out without consultation with the Vice President's office, have nonetheless prompted a demand for information from Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, citing the need for congressional oversight into such actions.
Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter contested the expense as reported by WLWT, voicing his disapproval: "It's outrageous for the army corps of engineers to spend taxpayer money to increase water flow so the VP can go canoeing, while national parks face budget cuts affecting millions of Americans." Yet despite these voices, the costs involved in the water level change have not been disclosed by the Army Corps, and the Secret Service maintains that such moves are standard procedure for the safety and security of the Vice President.
