California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) erupted on Saturday after the Trump administration conducted a dramatic military demonstration along Interstate 5, firing artillery shells as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.
The move caused massive traffic jams between Los Angeles and San Diego, shutting down a 17-mile stretch of one of the state’s busiest highways.
“This is a profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm’s way,” Newsom fumed, claiming Trump was using the military to intimidate protesters attending anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies.
The demonstrations, including live M777 Howitzer fire, controlled demolitions, and amphibious assault exercises at Camp Pendleton, were designed to celebrate the Marines’ 250th anniversary.
Vice President J.D. Vance attended, telling thousands of servicemen that America will “always need” their “warrior spirit.”
Newsom slammed the White House for allegedly failing to coordinate with California officials.
“It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under live munitions,” his office warned on X.
Military officials, however, defended the display as entirely safe, per the Daily Mail.
Gregory Dreibelbis, spokesman for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, confirmed that artillery fire followed established protocols and posed no real threat to motorists.
“M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based points west of I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate,” he said.
The demonstration created roughly an hour of traffic delays, backed-up Amtrak trains, and restricted airspace over the region. Drivers were startled by loud booms, though police assured the public that the rounds posed no danger.
The timing of the exercise coincided with anti-Trump “No Kings” protests nationwide, which Newsom suggested was intentional. “Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, disrespectful, and beneath the office the president holds,” he said.
Despite Newsom’s complaints, the White House and military officials insisted the event was safe and part of routine training.
“If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead,” said William Martin, communications director for VP Vance.
The artillery spectacle marks another flashpoint in the growing tension between California Democrats and the Trump administration. Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential contender, has positioned himself as the liberal opposition, while Trump continues to showcase his military and law-and-order credentials.
Saturday’s event served as both a celebration of the Marines and a show of force, sending a message that Trump is willing to stand firm against protestors and state-level pushback. Californians may have endured traffic headaches, but Trump made sure his military display left no one in doubt about the message.
