On August 1, 2025, the tranquil waters of Ohio’s Little Miami River became the unlikely center of a national debate, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at the request of the Secret Service, temporarily raised the river’s water level. The purpose? To ensure the safety of Vice President JD Vance and his family during a kayaking excursion to celebrate his 41st birthday the following day.
According to The Guardian, the Secret Service asked the Corps’ Louisville District to increase outflows from Caesar Creek Lake into the Little Miami River. The agency explained that the higher water level was necessary so that “motorized watercraft and emergency personnel could operate safely” while providing security for the vice president, who resides in Cincinnati. This move, while seemingly routine for those tasked with protecting high-ranking officials, quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism from political opponents and ethics watchdogs.
Richard W. Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, didn’t mince words. He posted on X, “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.” His comments, echoed by others, touched a nerve in a country still grappling with the aftermath of government spending cuts that have affected public services across the board.
Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio also weighed in, demanding transparency and accountability. “Outrageous! Must be why he wasn’t available to meet about his Big Bonanza for Billionaires Bill which will devastate Ohio manufacturing jobs and our rural hospitals. The Army Corp of Engineers should share records with relevant committee of jurisdiction in Congress,” she stated, as reported by TNND.
In the face of mounting criticism, Vice President Vance’s spokesperson, Taylor Van Kirk, offered a simple explanation: “The Secret Service often employs protective measures without the knowledge of the Vice President or his staff, as was the case last weekend.” The Secret Service itself confirmed this, telling The Guardian that “these decisions were made solely by agents during our standard advance planning process and did not involve the Office of the Vice President.”
Gene Pawlik, spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers, told The Associated Press that the operation “met operational criteria and was not outside the bounds of regular practice.” He emphasized that the temporary increase in outflow “would not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels,” and that “downstream stakeholders were notified in advance of the slight outflow increase, which occurred August 1, 2025.”
For those who know the area, Caesar Creek Lake is no ordinary body of water. Spanning 2,830 acres, it boasts an unlimited horsepower designation and five launch ramps, making it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which manages the lake, provided two natural resources officers to assist the Secret Service during the Vance event, according to spokesperson Karina Cheung. The site also features a marina, campground, and lodge, attracting both locals and tourists throughout the year.
Still, the optics of the situation—raising a river’s water level for a vice presidential birthday outing while many Americans are feeling the pinch from reduced federal spending—proved difficult for some to swallow. Critics argued that the episode exemplified a sense of entitlement among the political elite, especially given the Trump administration’s broader focus on reducing government expenditures. “It’s just another example of the powerful making life easier for themselves while the rest of us make do with less,” one observer remarked on social media.
This isn’t the first time the Vance family has drawn attention for receiving special accommodations. During a recent trip to Italy, the Roman Colosseum was closed to the public so that Vance’s wife, Usha, and their children could tour the iconic landmark—a move that sparked frustration among tourists. Similarly, the Taj Mahal in India was closed to visitors during the family’s visit in April, prompting further debate about the privileges afforded to America’s political families abroad.
However, as several media outlets including Global News and The Philadelphia Inquirer have pointed out, such treatment isn’t unique to the current administration or political party. In 1999, then-Democratic Vice President Al Gore, while running for president, paddled down the Connecticut River for a photo opportunity. Utility officials opened a dam and released four billion gallons of water to raise the river’s level at the request of the Secret Service, sparking its own round of political backlash. Gore’s campaign insisted at the time that he had not personally requested the water release, but the optics raised similar questions about the balance between security, public good, and political privilege.
The Army Corps of Engineers, for its part, remained steadfast that the operation was within the scope of its usual responsibilities. “It was determined that the operations would not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels,” said Pawlik. The agency declined to discuss any financial impact, but emphasized that all procedures were followed and that public safety was never compromised.
Supporters of the vice president have argued that security protocols for high-ranking officials are, by necessity, robust and sometimes require extraordinary measures. “These aren’t decisions made for convenience or luxury—they’re about ensuring the safety of our nation’s leaders,” one administration official said privately. They also noted that the decision to raise the river was made solely by the Secret Service, not by Vice President Vance or his staff.
Yet for many, the story remains emblematic of a broader disconnect between political leaders and the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans. With national parks and other public amenities facing budget shortfalls, the idea of deploying federal resources for a birthday celebration struck a sour note. Painter’s pointed critique summed up the sentiment: “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.”
As the dust settles, the episode has prompted calls for greater transparency regarding the use of public resources for official—and unofficial—purposes. Representative Kaptur’s demand for the Army Corps to share records with Congress may signal further scrutiny ahead. For now, the Little Miami River flows on, but the ripples from this birthday outing continue to spread through the nation’s political waters.
