Vice President JD Vance celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California, on October 18, 2025, in an event that featured a massive live-fire demonstration and sparked a heated exchange with Governor Gavin Newsom over public safety and highway closures. The celebration, which included fighter jets, helicopters, and naval vessels, was marked by political tensions as Newsom condemned the display as reckless, while Vance and military officials defended it as a routine and safe training exercise.
The amphibious capabilities demonstration was the largest of its kind in a decade on the U.S. mainland, showcasing the Marines’ readiness with F-18 and F-35 flyovers, parachute landings, and live artillery fire from M777 howitzers. Approximately 15,000 attendees, including Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, witnessed the event, which emphasized the Corps’ combat prowess and historical significance. The Marines described it as part of regular training, but the scale and location near a major interstate drew significant attention and criticism.
In response to the demonstration, Governor Newsom ordered the closure of a 15-mile stretch of Interstate 5 from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., citing “extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden, unexpected, and loud explosions.” This decision disrupted traffic for tens of thousands of daily commuters and rail services, leading to widespread delays and frustration among Southern California residents. Newsom’s office had previously expressed concerns after observing test runs with live munitions near the freeway.
Newsom sharply criticized the White House, calling the event an “absurd show of force” and accusing President Trump of putting “ego over responsibility.” He argued that firing live rounds over a busy highway was dangerous and disrespectful, undermining public safety for political theater. This clash is the latest in a series of disputes between California’s Democratic leadership and the federal administration, reflecting broader ideological divides.
Vance’s communications director, William Martin, countered that the Marine Corps deemed the demonstration “an established and safe practice” and part of routine training at Camp Pendleton. He accused Newsom of opposing essential military exercises and highlighted the governor’s “pathetic track record of failure.” The Marines emphasized that they did not request the highway closure and had coordinated with state agencies to ensure safety, underscoring their commitment to combat readiness.
During his remarks, Vance, the first Marine to serve as vice president, reflected on his military service, stating that his time in the Corps shaped his character and leadership. He also echoed the administration’s anti-“woke” stance, asserting that “it is not our diversity that makes us stronger, but our common purpose and mission.” Defense Secretary Hegseth reinforced this message, arguing that unity, not diversity, is the source of the military’s strength, aligning with recent Pentagon rollbacks of diversity initiatives.
The event occurred amid a government shutdown, with Vance delivering a message from President Trump assuring troops they would be paid despite the impasse, which he blamed on Senate Democrats. This political backdrop added to the tensions, as the demonstration became a flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battles over military policy and federal-state relations.
Looking ahead, the incident may fuel further conflicts between California and the White House, with potential implications for future military events and public safety protocols. It underscores the challenges of balancing national security demonstrations with community impacts, and could influence public opinion and policy discussions on military-civilian relations.