California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, accusing him of “putting his ego over responsibility” after a federal military event led to the closure of a section of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton. The exercise, held to celebrate the U.S. Marines’ 250th anniversary, featured live artillery fire over the busy freeway—prompting state officials to temporarily halt traffic due to safety risks.
“The president Trump is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong – it’s dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength – it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office he holds.” The Democratic governor Newsom had earlier denounced the event on X as an “absurd show of force” and “totally uncalled for.”
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the closure was prompted by “live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway,” citing potential risks and distractions to motorists. The shutdown, which affected a major artery linking San Diego and Los Angeles, disrupted travel for thousands of commuters and freight operators.
Military Defends Routine Operations Amid Political Fallout
U.S. Marine Corps officials pushed back against claims that the exercise posed a threat to public safety. They emphasized that artillery firing is a standard part of training at Camp Pendleton and that the demonstration, held at Red Beach in Oceanside, was properly coordinated. “The capabilities demonstration will feature integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, and sea,” the Marines said in a statement.
Vice President JD Vance, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq, addressed the crowd of service members, veterans, and families, praising the event as a “celebration of American strength and unity.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also delivered remarks, describing the display as a tribute to “the enduring readiness of the Marine Corps.”
William Martin, spokesperson for Vice President Vance, dismissed Newsom’s remarks as political posturing. “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our armed forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead,” he told The New York Times.
Political Tensions Deepen Between President Trump and Governor Newsom as ‘No Kings’ Protests Sweep the Nation
The dispute marks the latest in a series of escalating clashes between President Trump and Governor Newsom, two figures who have long sparred over the administration’s policies and use of executive power. Earlier this month, the president hosted a similar anniversary event aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia—an occasion that critics said resembled a political rally.
Saturday’s military showcase coincided with nationwide “No Kings” rallies and marches protesting what organizers described as the nation’s “slide into authoritarian rule.” Several demonstrations took place across California. In a post urging peaceful protest, Newsom wrote, “Use your voice. ACT PEACEFULLY. Protect yourself and your community. THERE ARE NO KINGS IN THE UNITED STATES.”
Matt Rocco, spokesperson for California’s Department of Transportation, said the freeway shutdown was “entirely due to the White House-directed event,” estimating the closure could add up to two hours of travel time and affect over 80,000 daily commuters. Passenger rail services running parallel to the I-5 were also suspended for safety reasons.
