During concerns over escalating grocery costs, JD Vance celebrated his birthday by inducing the elevation of a river's level.
On August 1, 2025, a controversial incident unfolded when Vice President JD Vance requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to increase the water levels of Ohio's Caesar Creek Lake for his family's vacation[1]. The adjustment, aimed at creating "ideal kayaking conditions," raised concerns about the use of government resources for personal leisure purposes[1].
According to reports, the Secret Service requested the adjustment on behalf of Vance, citing the need for "support" for safe navigation of the Vice President's bodyguards[2]. However, sources indicated that the move was also to create favorable conditions for Vance's personal enjoyment during a birthday kayaking trip[1].
The USACE fulfilled the request, stating that it met the operational criteria outlined in the Water Control Manual for Caesar Creek Lake and did not require a deviation from normal procedures[3]. The slight outflow increase did not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels[4].
Despite the assurances, the incident sparked ethical debates. Critics argue that leveraging federal operations to modify public waterways primarily for a private vacation represents an improper use of power and raises questions about fairness and misuse of taxpayer-funded agencies[1][2].
Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer, and former White House special counsel Norm Eisen were among those expressing concerns. Painter stated it was outrageous to use taxpayer money for Vance's recreational activities while budget cuts impacted family vacations for others[5]. Eisen also raised concerns about the appearance of special treatment for Vance[6].
Downstream stakeholders were notified in advance of the water level adjustment[7]. The Secret Service declined to confirm the specifics of its operational planning, stating only that coordination with relevant agencies was to maintain safety[8].
This isn't the first time Vance's vacation plans have drawn scrutiny. In July, California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized him on Twitter during a family vacation at Disneyland[9]. As the controversy surrounding the Ohio River incident continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Vance's future vacation plans and the broader discussion about the appropriate use of government resources.
References:
- The Guardian
- Newsweek
- The HuffPost
- CNN
- Twitter - Richard Painter
- Twitter - Norm Eisen
- CBS News
- The Guardian
- Twitter - Gavin Newsom
Syndicated-Huffpost reported that the Ohio River incident, where Vice President JD Vance requested a water level adjustment for his birthday kayaking trip, is now being considered a timely example of general-news politics. The trending news, with criticism from Richard Painter and Norm Eisen, raises questions about the fair use of taxpayer-funded agencies for private recreation, sparking ethical debates about the misuse of power and the appropriate use of government resources.
