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3d ago

Schiff Demands Answers on Secret Service-Directed Water Release for Vice President Vance’s Kayak Trip

Schiff’s letter demands documentation by Sept. 5 to clarify if the Secret Service’s Aug. 2 water release was justified by operational criteria or improperly favored Vice President Vance.

Vice President JD Vance speaks during a visit to airmen and family members of the 501st combat support wing at Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.
Vice President JD Vance.
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Overview

  • On August 15, Sen. Adam Schiff sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, USACE leader Adam Telle and Secret Service Director Sean Curran demanding responses by September 5 on the decision to raise Caesar Creek Lake outflow ahead of Vice President Vance’s August 2 kayak outing.
  • The Secret Service maintains the adjustment was an operational necessity to support secure navigation of protective motorized watercraft and that the Office of the Vice President was not involved.
  • Vice President Vance’s spokesperson said he was unaware of the water-level change and noted that the Secret Service often makes protective arrangements without his knowledge.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the release met the operational criteria in its Water Control Manual and did not require a formal deviation from normal procedures.
  • Ethics experts and critics argue the action creates the appearance of privileged access and point to past reservoir releases to suggest a pattern of exploiting public infrastructure for officials’ benefit.