Senator Adam Schiff investigates river elevation for kayaking celebration of JD Vance's birthday
Vice President JD Vance celebrated his 41st birthday with a kayaking trip on the Little Miami River, but the event has sparked controversy due to allegations of misuse of government resources. The US Secret Service arranged for the Army Corps of Engineers to increase outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to raise river levels, citing safety and security reasons for Vance's motorized watercraft and emergency personnel during the trip.
Critics view this action as an improper use of government resources and an example of political entitlement, especially amid government budget cuts affecting public parks and recreation. Officials, however, maintain that the action was within operational norms and properly communicated.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Adam Telle, and Secret Service Director Sean Curran, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff expressed concerns about the incident and accused the Trump administration of exploiting public resources for personal and political benefit, citing the Caesar Creek Lake incident as evidence. Schiff also asked for confirmation that Vance's office was informed of the decision and why Vance was not informed about it.
The controversy was amplified by social media and commentary referring to Vance as exhibiting "king-like entitlement" and critiques of misusing government resources. Some criticism included potentially misleading headlines about who exactly ordered the water level changes; it was clarified that it was the Secret Service's decision, not a direct personal order from Vance himself.
The situation has parallels in past events, such as a similar water release for Vice President Al Gore’s river trip in 1999, which also faced political scrutiny despite security justifications.
In response, a spokesperson for Vance told the AP that Vance was unaware of the decision to raise the river. Schiff has denied the allegations of mortgage fraud, suggesting that the investigation is political.
The decision to adjust water levels at Caesar Creek Lake did not involve the Office of the Vice President, as confirmed by the Secret Service. The Army Corps of Engineers increased outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to the Little Miami River to support safe navigation of U.S. Secret Service personnel.
The controversy has led Schiff to express hope that the public scrutiny of the Caesar Creek Lake water release will refocus the Army Corps on its mission. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reportedly investigating the incident, with a "special attorney" appointed to investigate allegations of mortgage fraud against Schiff.
References: 1. AP News 2. CNN 3. NBC News 4. The Washington Post 5. The Hill
- This action, which involved the Army Corps of Engineers increasing water levels at Caesar Creek Lake for Vice President JD Vance's kayaking trip, has turned into a heated debate, with critics labeling it an improper use of government resources and a prime example of political entitlement, especially amid economic budget cuts.
- The controversy surrounding Vice President JD Vance's kayaking trip and the subsequent water level adjustments at Caesar Creek Lake has led to investigations, such as the ongoing Justice Department investigation, with a "special attorney" appointed to investigate allegations of mortgage fraud against Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, who has been vocal about the incident.
