JD Vance reportedly had Ohio river water level raised for family trip, Internet slams ‘special treatment’

CANTON, OHIO: Vice President JD Vance’s recent family vacation in Ohio is drawing scrutiny after officials temporarily increased water flow to improve river conditions during his visit.

Critics say the move reflects preferential treatment and raises questions about the use of public resources for personal convenience.

JD Vance’s boating trip led to unusual water control move by US Army corps in Ohio

During an August 1 visit to southwestern Ohio, Vice President JD Vance’s security arrangements prompted an unusual adjustment by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which increased outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to boost water levels on the Little Miami River.

The decision, according to the USACE, was based on a request from the US Secret Service to ensure the safe passage of motorized security watercraft during Vance’s recreational outing.

Public data from the US Geological Survey confirms the river saw a spike in water levels on the day before Vance’s 41st birthday, when he was seen canoeing with family members. While the USACE stated the outflow met operational criteria and did not require a formal procedural deviation, the timing of the move has drawn attention. 

Sources claim outflow boost aimed to create ‘ideal Kayaking conditions’

An anonymous source familiar with the planning alleged to The Guardian that the water level change was not solely for the vice president’s protection, but also to create “ideal kayaking conditions.”

Although this specific motivation couldn’t be independently confirmed.

The report raises concerns about whether Vance’s office may have used public infrastructure for personal leisure, even as the Trump administration slashed funding for foreign aid, scientific research, and federal jobs under the banner of “efficiency.”

The Guardian initially contacted the US Army Corps of Engineers in Louisville on Tuesday, August 5, regarding the changes. Publicly available USGS data indicates a sharp rise in river levels and a simultaneous drop in lake elevation during early August, the same period when Vance was on vacation.

In a statement emailed to The Guardian on August 6, spokesperson Gene Pawlik confirmed that the USACE Louisville District had received “a request to temporarily increase outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to support safe navigation of US Secret Service personnel.”

The Guardian’s anonymous source, familiar with the situation, emphasized that “special releases” are typically not granted to individuals or made at the request of a single party.

The outlet also inquired about whether the request had been properly documented, as USACE policy requires official approval and justification for any “deviation” from standard operations. These rules are designed to ensure that any changes, especially those involving potential flood risk or environmental impact, are supported by clear reasoning and risk assessments.

In response, USACE spokesperson Gene Pawlik stated that the request from the Secret Service “met the operational criteria outlined in the Water Control Manual for Caesar Creek Lake and did not require a deviation from normal procedures.”

He further clarified: “It was determined that the operations would not adversely affect downstream or upstream water levels. Downstream stakeholders were notified in advance of the slight outflow increase, which occurred on August 1, 2025.”   

Critics call out ‘double standards’ amid Trump-era budget cuts

Though there’s no accusation of illegal activity.

Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer in the George W Bush administration, called the situation “pretty outrageous” and hypocritical. He noted the irony of Vance benefiting from such accommodations during a family vacation, while the administration’s budget cuts have severely impacted the National Park Service (NPS).

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Service has lost roughly 25% of its workforce since January. As a result, some park areas have been closed or had their hours reduced due to staffing shortages.

“Those cuts are directly affecting middle-class families' vacations,” Painter said. “Whether they are doing it for the Secret Service or for him I think is splitting hairs. What he ought to be doing is choosing another place.”

Norm Eisen, former President Barack Obama’s former ethics counsel, said, “When I was President Obama’s ethics czar in the White House I got a lot of unusual requests, but I never got one to increase the outflow of a waterway as part of a government official going kayaking.”

The vice president’s office has not commented on the matter.

Internet reacts after JD Vance’s team had Ohio river water level raised for family boating trip

JD Vance is facing sharp criticism online after it was revealed that his team arranged for the water level of the Ohio River to be raised, reportedly for a family boating excursion.

Users didn’t hold back in mocking the senator’s apparent need for “ideal” water conditions. “Raised the water level of the Ohio River? WTF was he on, a cruise ship? So he had the locks manipulated just for fun. Priceless,” one user quipped.

“Then he shouldn’t have gone boating if the water level wasn’t right. That’s what people do. This ‘special treatment’ costs everyone,” one user vented.

“Every single person in this administration is a criminal. And the taxpayers are footing the bill as they rack up trillions in more debt. Vance is repulsive,” another commented.

One user sarcastically noted, “Poor baby, needed the water raised because he couldn't handle a little action.”

"Learning from the best in Trump,” one user wrote. “Just like Trump and the rest of them,” echoed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online