The recent celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton ignited a fierce exchange on social media between California Governor Gavin Newsom and the White House. The event, titled “America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore: A Review of Amphibious Strength,” showcased a live-fire demonstration attended by Vice President JD Vance, among other festivities designed to honor military might.
Newsom wasted no time in condemning the display, labeling it as “dangerous” and “an absurd show of force.” In a post on X, he warned of potential delays on Interstate 5 due to the event, attributing these closures to plans drawn up by the Trump administration. “Because of the Trump Admin’s plans, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the event,” he stated.
However, the White House quickly pushed back against Newsom’s claims. Their response was sharp, asserting that the governor was twisting the truth. “Newscum is lying,” the White House Rapid Response account declared on X. The follow-up implied that Newsom’s decision to close the highway was unwarranted and that the evacuation of the area had not been requested by anyone in the military. They noted that the Marines indicated there were no public safety concerns during the exercises.
VP Vance’s camp labeled Newsom’s actions as “petty,” accusing him of disrupting the lives of Californians. These pointed remarks came from a post by Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz, who criticized the governor for his interference, stating, “Gavin Newscum is shutting down a major CA highway just because JD Vance is in the state. Inconveniencing tens of thousands of Americans.”
In response, Newsom defended his position, aligning himself with the California Highway Patrol and highway safety experts. He argued that it was unsafe for the public to traverse a major freeway amid live munitions. “It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under LIVE MUNITIONS,” he emphasized. Newsom accused the White House of failing to communicate effectively and endangering public safety, remarking on the situation as indicative of “another day living in Trump’s authoritarian America.”
The clash was fueled by a broader dispute leading up to the Camp Pendleton event. Newsom had previously referred to the anniversary as a “vanity parade,” criticizing both President Trump and VP Vance for their actions. He lamented, “Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military.” This sentiment echoed a post from the left-leaning outlet MeidasTouch, reinforcing his criticism.
The response from the White House was quick and emphatic, with William Martin, special assistant to the president, labeling Newsom’s narrative as “complete fake news.” He highlighted that the Marine Corps confirmed there would be no closure of the I-5 and that the event was a legitimate training exercise. Moreover, he pointed out that President Trump was ensuring military salary disbursements despite congressional roadblocks from figures like Chuck Schumer.
To further reassure the public, a Marine Corps press release emphasized that thorough safety measures had been implemented for the anniversary celebration, which was expected to attract over 15,000 attendees. These measures included risk assessments and the presence of emergency crews to respond quickly if necessary.
With both sides digging in their heels, the tension only escalated. Social media exchanges illustrated the rift between Newsom and the Trump administration, showing how quickly disputes can spiral in the political arena. As the Marine Corps celebrates its rich history, its commemoration at Camp Pendleton became a stage for broader debates about military displays and public safety in America.
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