In what was intended to be a leisurely celebration of Vice President JD Vance's 41st birthday, a kayaking trip on Ohio's Little Miami River inadvertently stirred a wave of controversy. Last week, near his Cincinnati-area home, the Secret Service, as a precautionary measure, temporarily increased water levels by adjusting the outflow from Caesar Creek Lake into the river. This action, while ensuring emergency access and the Vice President's safety, has prompted a backlash from various quarters.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, facilitated the water flow alteration. Eugene Pawlik, a spokesman for the Army Corps, confirmed that the measure was both minimal and temporary, with a clear statement that it would not "adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels." He also noted that stakeholders had been informed prior to the adjustment.
Despite these reassurances, the Vice President's office has indicated that Vance was not aware of the change in water levels. The Secret Service often implements protective measures independently, as a spokesperson for the Vice President's office stated, emphasizing that such decisions are typically made without the knowledge or input of the protectee or their staff.
The story, initially reported by The Guardian and subsequently picked up by other media outlets, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from liberal lawmakers and ethics watchdogs. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) labeled the move as "outrageous," suggesting it was a misuse of taxpayer funds and questioning Vance's legislative priorities. Her comments were amplified by a social media post criticizing Vance's legislative activities.
Moreover, Richard Painter, former chief ethics counsel for President George W. Bush, expressed his concerns on Twitter about the use of taxpayer money for such purposes, especially given budget cuts impacting the National Park Service.
In contrast, conservative commentators have largely dismissed the concerns as overly politicized. Benny Johnson, a known conservative voice, characterized the backlash as "incredibly dumb," defending the Secret Service's actions as a standard security procedure unrelated to Vance's personal desires.
The incident has also been compared to a similar event in 1999 involving then-Vice President Al Gore, whose security team arranged for a significant release of water into New Hampshire's Connecticut River ahead of his canoeing trip, which also resulted in controversy.
While the Little Miami River is recognized as a popular spot for recreation, the timing of the water level adjustment has intersected with ongoing federal spending debates, adding a political dimension to the discourse.
Ultimately, the Secret Service maintains that such adjustments are made strictly for the safety of high-ranking officials, irrespective of political affiliation. As debates continue, the incident raises questions about the balance between security needs, environmental stewardship, and the optics of governmental actions.
