The recent news of the Secret Service’s denial of a request to raise the water level of a river for JD Vance’s kayaking trip has raised many questions and concerns. This revelation, coupled with the Department of Homeland Security’s claim that they do not have ICE bodycam footage, has left many wondering about the transparency and accountability of our government agencies.
The Intercept, a renowned news outlet, reported on the Secret Service’s response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records of their request to raise the water level of a river for JD Vance’s kayaking trip. The response was shocking – the Secret Service claimed to have no records of such a request. This raises serious doubts about the agency’s credibility and accountability.
The request in question was made in 2017 when JD Vance, the author of the best-selling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” was invited to go kayaking with then-Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin. The kayaking trip was supposed to take place on the Salmon River in Idaho, but the water level was too low for safe kayaking. As a result, the Secret Service allegedly requested the Bureau of Reclamation to raise the water level. However, the Secret Service now claims to have no records of this request.
This revelation has sparked outrage and disbelief among the public. How can a government agency, responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s leaders, not have records of such a request? This raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the Secret Service.
But this is not the only instance where a government agency has claimed to have no records of a request. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently claimed that they do not have ICE bodycam footage, despite multiple FOIA requests for the same. This is concerning, as bodycam footage is crucial in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions.
The lack of transparency and accountability within our government agencies is a cause for concern. It is the responsibility of these agencies to be transparent and accountable to the public they serve. The American people have a right to know how their tax dollars are being used and how their government is functioning.
The Secret Service’s response to the FOIA request for records of the request to raise the water level for JD Vance’s kayaking trip is a clear indication of the need for more transparency and accountability within the agency. The lack of records raises questions about the agency’s integrity and credibility. It is imperative that the Secret Service provides a satisfactory explanation for the absence of these records.
Similarly, the DHS’s claim of not having ICE bodycam footage is unacceptable. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of police brutality and excessive use of force by law enforcement. Bodycam footage is crucial in holding these officers accountable for their actions. The DHS’s claim of not having this footage is a cause for concern and raises doubts about the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It is high time that our government agencies take their responsibility of being transparent and accountable seriously. The American people deserve to know the truth and have access to information that affects their lives. The lack of transparency and accountability within our government agencies only erodes the public’s trust in their government.
In conclusion, the recent revelations of the Secret Service’s denial of a request to raise the water level for JD Vance’s kayaking trip and the DHS’s claim of not having ICE bodycam footage are alarming. These incidents highlight the need for more transparency and accountability within our government agencies. It is the responsibility of these agencies to be transparent and accountable to the public they serve. The American people deserve to know the truth and have access to information that affects their lives. It is time for our government agencies to step up and fulfill their duty to the public.
