California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Donald Trump of 'putting his ego over responsibility' after a military showcase forced the closure of a section of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton on Saturday. The event, which included live artillery fire over the busy highway, prompted safety concerns from state officials.
In a statement, Newsom said: 'The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn't just wrong – it's dangerous.' The governor earlier described the event as an 'absurd show of force' on social media.
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the temporary closure was necessary due to 'live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway,' citing safety risks and potential driver distractions. The closure affected the main route between San Diego and Los Angeles, which carries 80,000 travellers and $94m in freight daily.
US Marine officials defended the exercise as routine and safe, stating that firing artillery at Camp Pendleton is standard practice. Vice-President JD Vance, a former Marine, spoke at the event marking the Marines' 250th anniversary, which included a live-fire amphibious demonstration.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and Newsom, who has frequently criticised the administration. The event coincided with nationwide 'No Kings' rallies opposing what organisers describe as authoritarian rule under Trump.
A spokesperson for Vance dismissed Newsom's concerns, calling the exercise routine training. Meanwhile, California's transportation department warned that the Interstate 5 closure could add up to two hours to journey times, with passenger rail services also cancelled for the afternoon.
