JD Vance accused of abuse of power - Ordered river level raised for family boat trip

US Vice President JD Vance has been accused of unprecedented abuse of power after the US Secret Service reportedly ordered the water level in an Ohio river to be raised so he could go boating with his family.

According to The Daily Beast, the measure was taken to allow Vance’s security detail to move safely in motorboats while he enjoyed paddling with his relatives.

US Geological Survey data showed a sudden rise in the water level at Caesar Creek Lake, the source of the river, during celebrations for Vance’s 41st birthday.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stated that the request met standard dam operation criteria and did not require any deviation from regular procedures.

Norm Eisen, a former White House special counsel for ethics and government reform, told the newspaper that while he received a lot of "unusual" requests during his time with President Barack Obama, "I never got one to increase the outflow of a waterway as part of a government official going kayaking."

The incident sparked public outrage and allegations of using government resources for private leisure.

This is not the first time Vance’s family trips have drawn attention. In early 2025, protesters rallied during his ski vacation in Vermont over the government’s stance on the war in Ukraine.

Candidates in 2028 election

Recently, US President Donald Trump said that Vance could succeed him as president, adding that the vice president might "join forces" with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in one form or another. Rubio has also suggested that Vance could be the Republican presidential candidate in 2028.