A dramatic showdown unfolded over the weekend as California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed former President Donald Trump’s plan to fire artillery shells over a busy highway.
The spectacle, meant to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, sparked outrage from Newsom, who called the event “profoundly absurd” and warned it could put everyday Californians at risk.
Freeway Closure Causes Massive Traffic
In response to the planned military demonstration, Newsom ordered a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, running between Los Angeles and San Diego, to be temporarily closed.
The move caused hours of gridlock and frustrated motorists, highlighting the tension between safety concerns and military pageantry.
Accusations of Political Timing
Newsom pointed out that the artillery display coincided with anti-Trump “No Kings” protests, suggesting the timing was far from coincidental.
“Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office the president holds,” he told the New York Times.
Governor Criticizes Lack of Coordination
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Newsom’s office slammed the Trump administration for failing to properly coordinate the exercise.
“It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under LIVE MUNITIONS,” the statement read.
“White House not communicating, endangering the public, and then trying to blame the Governor for doing the right thing — keeping people out of harm’s way — yet another day living in Trump’s authoritarian America.”
White House Defends the Military Exercise
Despite Newsom’s warnings, the White House maintained that the Camp Pendleton artillery firing was completely safe.
William Martin, communications director for Vice President JD Vance, called Newsom’s criticism “misleading” and stressed that the exercise was part of routine Marine Corps training.
“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,” Martin said.
Military and Local Officials Assure Safety
The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force confirmed that M777 Howitzers had been tested at a nearby beach the night before to guarantee safety.
Gregory Dreibelbis, a Marine spokesman, emphasized that such artillery practice is a long-established procedure conducted within strict safety protocols.
Oceanside assistant police chief John McKean added that while the booms could startle drivers, there was no risk of the shells hitting traffic.
“It’s not like they’re going to get hit by explosives or anything like that, it’s just loud booms, and it may frighten [drivers] for about 15 or 20 minutes,” he said.
Political Messaging at the Event
The artillery demonstration drew attention from Vice President JD Vance, who addressed roughly 15,000 Marines.
Vance praised the service members’ “warrior spirit” and touched on the ongoing government shutdown, assuring troops that “despite the Schumer Shutdown, [Trump] is going to do everything he can to make sure you get paid exactly as you deserve.”
Controversy Sparks Debate
The weekend’s events reignited debates about the line between military training, political spectacle, and public safety.
While supporters argue the artillery fire is routine, critics—including Newsom—see it as a dangerous and provocative move that puts civilians at unnecessary risk.