Vice President JD Vance Raises Ohio River Level for Birthday Kayaking Trip

Vice President JD Vance's 41st birthday kayaking trip on the Little Miami River was facilitated by a temporary increase in water flow from Caesar Creek Lake, ordered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the request of the Secret Service to ensure safe navigation for his security detail. While officials stated the measure was routine and met operational criteria without impacting surrounding water levels, anonymous sources and reports suggested the water level rise was also intended to create ideal kayaking conditions for Vance's private family activity. The decision has sparked criticism over the use of public resources for personal purposes, with ethics experts calling the action unreasonable and highlighting concerns about special treatment amidst government budget cuts. Vance's office said he was unaware of the water level adjustment, emphasizing that such protective measures are often carried out without his knowledge. The incident has drawn public scrutiny regarding the fairness and transparency of resource use for high-ranking officials' private events.