J.D. Vance Faces Criticism Over Luxury Travel for Son's Lesson

WHO:

TMZ - J.D. Vance, Vice President of the United States

Alternet - Secret Service agents, Matt Quinn (Secret Service Deputy Director)

WHAT:

Alternet - Secret Service agents have created custom coins and stickers to mock the frequency of Vance's last-minute travel requests, using his Secret Service code name, “Bobcat”.

Alternet - Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn stated that agents understand the commitment required for their role, which includes accommodating last-minute travel requests for the Vice President's family.

TMZ - J.D. Vance attempted to use a military helicopter to transport his son to a golf lesson.

Alternet - Secret Service agents expressed frustration over Vance's last-minute travel requests, which they referred to as "off the record" movements.

Alternet - A planned trip on Marine Two, the U.S. Marine Corps helicopter that carries the vice president, was canceled due to severe thunderstorms and high winds.

WHERE:

Alternet - Washington, D.C. area

WHEN:

Alternet - The planned helicopter trip was scheduled for a Thursday last week.

WHY:

Alternet - The repeated pattern of last-minute travel requests is said to "quickly and understandably erode morale" among the Secret Service detail.

Alternet - Secret Service agents are reportedly "fed up" with the demands for last-minute travel, which disrupts their schedules and requires them to cancel days off.

HOW:

Alternet - Secret Service agents have made custom coins and stickers to mock the frequency of Vance's last-minute travel requests.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 21:20 UTC)

Secret Service agents have created custom coins and stickers to poke fun at the frequent last-minute travel requests made by the Vice President's family, using the code name “Bobcat.” Deputy Director Matt Quinn acknowledged the dedication required for their role, which includes accommodating these unexpected requests, but noted that the pattern can understandably erode morale among the agents. This lighthearted approach reflects the challenges faced by the Secret Service in balancing their responsibilities with the demands of the job.

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(UPDATED July 16, 2026 17:23 UTC)

Vice President J.D. Vance attempted to use a military helicopter to transport his son to a golf lesson, but a planned trip on Marine Two was canceled due to severe thunderstorms and high winds in the Washington, D.C. area. Secret Service agents expressed frustration over Vance's last-minute travel requests, which they described as "off the record" movements, and they are reportedly "fed up" with these demands that disrupt their schedules. In response to the frequent last-minute requests, Secret Service agents have even created custom coins and stickers to mock the situation.