California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for “putting his ego over responsibility” after a military event forced the closure of a major highway.
The decision to close a portion of Interstate 5 near the Camp Pendleton Marine base came amid concerns about public safety during the live-fire demonstration on Saturday morning.
“The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety,” Newsom said in a statement, calling the use of live artillery over a highway reckless.
Using the military to intimidate citizens is not strength, the governor argued. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong – it’s dangerous and disrespectful.”
Earlier, Newsom posted on X that the event was an “absurd show of force” and “totally uncalled for,” emphasizing the unnecessary risks to drivers and commuters along the I-5 corridor.
US Marine officials defended the exercise at Camp Pendleton, noting that live-fire demonstrations are routine and pose no safety threat when conducted within military guidelines.
The California Highway Patrol stated that the temporary closure was necessary due to live ammunition being discharged over the freeway, creating distractions and potential hazards for drivers.
The event celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US Marines, featuring an amphibious capabilities demonstration at Red Beach in northwestern San Diego County attended by thousands.
Vice President JD Vance, a former enlisted Marine who served in Iraq, addressed the crowd, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also delivered remarks highlighting the integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations.
“The capabilities demonstration will feature air, land, and sea operations,” the Marines’ statement said, underscoring the scope of the event and the level of coordination involved in the exercise.
Despite routine procedures, Newsom’s criticism highlighted growing tension between the California governor and the Trump administration over public safety and political messaging in military displays.
Earlier in October, the Navy hosted Trump aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia to celebrate the same military anniversary, turning the occasion into a political rally.
Smoke from the amphibious demonstration at Red Beach rose above the water, drawing attention from nearby communities and commuters traveling along the coastal I-5 freeway between San Diego and Los Angeles.
Newsom warned participants in concurrent No Kings protests across the US that the weekend was an opportunity to resist authoritarianism. “Use your voice. ACT PEACEFULLY,” he urged in a social media post.
The protests in California aligned with the broader message of the No Kings movement, opposing any slide toward autocratic rule and emphasizing citizen responsibility to protect democracy and community safety.
Spokesperson William Martin, representing Vice President Vance, disputed Newsom’s safety concerns, saying the exercises were routine and vital to maintaining the lethality and readiness of US armed forces.
“This is routine training. If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose it, he can go right ahead, but it ensures our armed forces remain the deadliest fighting force in the world,” Martin added.
Matt Rocco of the California Department of Transportation confirmed the I-5 closure was directed by White House military coordination, emphasizing the need to safeguard the public during live ordnance discharge.
The temporary freeway shutdown added up to two hours to commutes between San Diego and Los Angeles, affecting approximately 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight moving daily through the corridor.
Passenger rail services parallel to Interstate 5 were canceled for the afternoon, further illustrating the disruption caused by the military demonstration and the challenges faced by California transportation authorities.
Newsom’s criticism extended beyond logistics, framing the event as an example of Trump placing personal political messaging above public responsibility, a claim echoed by several Democratic leaders nationwide.
In contrast, the Trump administration has portrayed the demonstrations as essential military training, emphasizing that safety protocols were followed and no civilians were directly endangered during live-fire exercises.
The I-5 closure coincided with widespread No Kings marches and rallies in California and other states, reflecting national concern over the president’s approach to power and governance.
Observers noted that the political context surrounding the military display heightened tensions, as Trump’s administration has increasingly used high-profile military events to rally supporters and amplify political narratives.
Local authorities stressed that the freeway closure was a safety precaution and not intended to impede the demonstration itself, underscoring the logistical challenges of coordinating military exercises near heavily trafficked urban areas.
Residents and travelers expressed frustration over delays, highlighting the impact of federal military operations on daily life, even when exercises are routine and aimed at training and preparedness.
Newsom’s statement also referenced the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure, arguing that military events must prioritize public safety above political optics or spectacle.
The California governor criticizes Trump comments drew national attention, adding to the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of military resources in support of domestic political events.
Meanwhile, participants at the No Kings protests emphasized peaceful advocacy, with organizers encouraging citizens to voice opposition without engaging in confrontational or violent tactics.
The military demonstration at Camp Pendleton was part of a broader US Marine Corps anniversary celebration, showcasing integrated operations that span multiple branches of the military in complex training scenarios.
Critics of Trump’s approach argue that politicizing such events risks undermining public confidence in the armed forces, while supporters claim that celebrating military achievements is a legitimate use of presidential platform.
Newsom’s office estimated that the freeway closure disrupted tens of thousands of commuters, generating economic losses and delays in freight movement along one of California’s busiest transportation corridors.
As the No Kings protests continue to gain momentum, the intersection of military demonstrations and political messaging is likely to remain a contentious issue in California and nationwide.
Lawmakers and community leaders have called for clearer guidelines governing military involvement in politically charged events, citing concerns over public safety, civil liberties, and the appearance of federal overreach.
California’s political landscape remains sharply divided, with Democratic leaders emphasizing caution and safety, while Republican officials frame military exercises as routine training that supports national defense readiness.
In the wake of the Camp Pendleton demonstration, both supporters and critics have highlighted the broader implications for US governance, public trust in institutions, and the role of the military in domestic affairs.
The debate underscores the challenge of balancing ceremonial military events, national security objectives, and citizen safety, especially when political tensions intersect with operational planning and execution.
For residents and travelers affected by the Interstate 5 closure, the day served as a reminder of the complex interplay between federal authority, state oversight, and public responsibility in California’s densely populated regions.
As the No Kings movement and political discourse around Trump’s presidency continue, observers will be closely monitoring interactions between federal authorities, state officials, and local communities to ensure safety and democratic norms are upheld.
The California governor reiterated that public safety must remain paramount in any military or government operation, emphasizing that ego-driven decisions could have serious consequences for both civilians and national trust.
The Camp Pendleton demonstration, while a significant milestone for the Marines, has sparked a wider conversation about the boundaries of presidential authority, the use of military assets for political purposes, and the protection of everyday Americans.
