Why Ohio river swelled under pressure of US V-P JD Vance's birthday bash
But while the Secret Service maintains that the request was routine and necessary for operational safety, not everyone is convinced.
Public records from the US Geological Survey (USGS) show a spike in the Little Miami River's water levels and a simultaneous dip in Caesar Creek Lake around the time Vance was spotted kayaking in southwest Ohio for his 41st birthday.
That surge raised eyebrows, especially given that no public notice of a 'special release' from Caesar Creek Lake was posted, unlike similar events in the past, such as one scheduled (and later cancelled) by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in August 2024.
An anonymous source familiar with the matter told The Guardian that the release may have gone beyond security concerns and was also intended to create an ideal kayaking conditions for the vice president and his family.
In a statement to The Guardian, USACE spokesperson Gene Pawlik confirmed that the Secret Service requested the temporary outflow increase. However, he said that the change met the operational criteria of the Caesar Creek Water Control Manual and did not require any special exception.
'The operations would not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels,' Pawlik said, adding that relevant stakeholders were informed in advance.
The Secret Service noted that it coordinated with both the USACE and Ohio's Department of Natural Resources to ensure safe navigation for motorised watercraft and emergency personnel. But it declined to comment on the specific operational planning.
While there is no indication that Vance's office violated any laws, critics say the move smells of privilege, especially against the backdrop of sweeping budget cuts under the Trump-Vance administration.
Ethics lawyer Richard Painter who is a former official in the George W. Bush White House, called the incident 'pretty outrageous.'
'Those cuts are directly impacting middle-class families' vacations,' Painter said. 'Whether they are doing it for the Secret Service or for him I think is splitting hairs. What he ought to be doing is choosing another place.'
The National Parks Conservation Association recently reported a 25% staff reduction in the National Park Service since January, leading to closures and reduced hours in some parks, vacation plans disrupted for many Americans.
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