California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Donald Trump for “putting his ego over responsibility” following a military event that closed a section of Interstate 5 on Saturday. The temporary closure occurred near the Marine Corps Camp Pendleton base in Southern California. Officials cited safety concerns as live artillery rounds were fired over the busy highway.
“The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said. “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, disrespectful, and beneath the office he holds.” Newsom had earlier described the event on X as an “absurd show of force” and “totally uncalled for.”
The US Marines defended the exercise, noting that live-fire drills are routine at Camp Pendleton. Officials said there was no real safety threat from the exercise but acknowledged that closing the highway helped prevent driver distractions. The California Highway Patrol confirmed that live ammunition was discharged over the freeway. They decided to temporarily close the section of I-5 due to potential safety risks for travelers.
The event celebrated the US Marines’ 250th anniversary and included a live-fire demonstration of amphibious capabilities at Red Beach in Oceanside. Thousands of Marines, sailors, veterans, and families attended. Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine who served in Iraq, addressed the crowd. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also delivered remarks. According to the Marines, the demonstration featured integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, and sea.
Earlier this month, Trump marked the same anniversary aboard a Navy aircraft carrier off Virginia, turning the event into a political rally. Saturday’s Camp Pendleton demonstration drew similar attention amid political debates over the president’s use of military resources.
The closure of I-5, which links San Diego and Los Angeles, affected roughly 80,000 travelers and delayed $94 million in daily freight shipments. Passenger rail services running alongside the freeway were also canceled for the afternoon. The California Department of Transportation estimated the shutdown added up to two hours to commute times. Newsom linked the event to broader political tensions. His statement coincided with nationwide No Kings rallies opposing what participants see as authoritarian trends under Trump. The governor urged attendees to participate peacefully while defending their communities.
A spokesperson for Vice President Vance countered Newsom’s criticism, calling the safety concerns “misleading” and reaffirming that the live-fire exercise was routine training. “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose training exercises that ensure our armed forces remain the most lethal in the world, he can go right ahead,” said William Martin, Vance’s spokesperson. The debate highlights rising tensions between Trump and California state officials, reflecting the broader political divide over the president’s approach to public safety and military displays.
California authorities emphasized that live ordnance over a major highway required temporary closure to ensure driver safety. The incident sparked discussions on the balance between military demonstrations and civilian safety, particularly when large crowds or busy roads are involved. Despite differing views, both state and federal officials agreed that the exercises were designed to display military readiness. Still, critics like Newsom maintain that public safety should take priority over political or symbolic gestures. The event has reignited conversation about how military resources are used in public spaces and how officials coordinate with state authorities to protect citizens.
