US Vice President JD Vance celebrated his 41st birthday with a kayaking trip on the Little Miami River in Ohio, an event that has drawn criticism due to the involvement of the Secret Service. To facilitate this outing, the agency requested that the river’s water level be raised, allowing for safer navigation by emergency personnel and motorized watercraft in the area.
The request for increased water flow was fulfilled by the Army Corps of Engineers, which temporarily increased outflows from the Caesar Creek Lake into the river over the weekend. According to a statement from Corps spokesman Gene Pawlik, the action was taken to ensure the safety of the vice president during his recreational activities. He noted that the increase in outflow was within normal operational practice and would not adversely impact water levels upstream or downstream.
Critics have voiced strong disapproval, arguing that the decision reflects a sense of entitlement, particularly in light of the previous administration’s emphasis on cutting government spending. Richard W. Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under former President George W. Bush, criticized the move on social media, stating, “It’s outrageous for the Army Corps of Engineers to spend taxpayer money to increase water flow in a river so @VP can go canoeing when budget cuts to the National Park Service have severely impacted family vacations for everyone else.”
While the Army Corps of Engineers did not disclose the financial implications of the increased water flow, Pawlik indicated that downstream stakeholders had been notified prior to the outflow increase, which took place on August 1, 2025. Vance’s birthday occurred the following day, on August 2, 2025.
The incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding government resource allocation and public expenditure, raising questions about the fairness of utilizing taxpayer funds for personal enjoyment by high-ranking officials. As the vice president returns to his official duties, the implications of this kayaking trip remain a topic of debate among political observers and the public alike.
