Secret Service Raises River Level for VP Vance's Kayak Trip

Controversy Over Vance's Birthday Kayaking

Vice President JD Vance's 41st birthday celebration on August 2, 2025, sparked controversy when the U.S. Secret Service ordered the water level of Ohio's Little Miami River to be raised for his family kayaking trip. Security personnel determined the river was too shallow for their protective motorboats during a preliminary inspection.

Security Protocol Triggers Intervention

The Secret Service coordinated with local authorities to temporarily increase water flow from Ceasar Creek Lake into the river. This measure ensured protective boats could navigate alongside the Vice President's group without grounding.

Criticism Amid Budget Constraints

Richard W. Painter, former ethics counsel to President George W. Bush, condemned the action on social media: "It's scandalous that taxpayer money was used to raise a river's water level for the VP's recreation while ordinary Americans face park service cutbacks." The criticism highlights recent $2.3 billion reductions in federal recreation budgets.

Historical Precedent

This incident mirrors a 1999 occurrence involving then-Vice President Al Gore. Before a planned canoe photo-op on Connecticut River, the Secret Service similarly increased water levels by opening a dam. Both politicians denied requesting the interventions.

Official Response

A Vance spokesperson stated: "Protective measures like these are routine security decisions made independently by the Secret Service without notifying protectees." The agency confirmed this falls within standard protective protocols for high-ranking officials.