Imagine a major California highway shut down for hours, not due to an accident or construction, but because the U.S. Marines are firing live artillery shells overhead. This is exactly what's happening this Saturday, as part of a controversial celebration marking the Marines' 250th anniversary. But here's where it gets even more contentious: California Governor Gavin Newsom has slammed the event as an "absurd show of force" and a dangerous stunt, sparking a heated debate over military displays and public safety.
The California Highway Patrol has announced the closure of a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. This decision comes amid concerns about the safety risks and distractions posed to drivers by live 155mm artillery shells being fired over the freeway. The event will feature a live-fire amphibious capabilities demonstration at Red Beach, showcasing integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, and sea. Notable figures like former Marine JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to address the crowd of over 15,000 expected attendees, including marines, sailors, veterans, and their families.
While the U.S. Marine Corps insists the event will adhere to strict safety protocols and claims no public highways will be closed, the CHP's statement directly contradicts this, citing the need to protect the public from live ammunition being discharged over the freeway. This discrepancy has fueled the controversy, with Newsom arguing that such an event is not only unnecessary but also reckless, especially without proper coordination between state, federal, and local authorities.
And this is the part most people miss: This display of military might comes at a time when tensions are already high, with No Kings rallies and marches taking place across the U.S., including in California. These protests aim to push back against what many see as the nation's slide into authoritarian rule under President Trump. Newsom has urged participants to use these rallies as a peaceful declaration of independence against tyranny, while also cautioning them to protect themselves and their communities.
The event has also reignited the ongoing feud between Newsom and the Trump administration. Newsom has been a vocal critic of the president's decisions, and this celebration is no exception. He argues that using the military to intimidate political opponents is a sign of weakness, not strength. In contrast, a spokesperson for JD Vance has accused Newsom of misleading the public, claiming the event is routine training essential for maintaining the U.S. military's global dominance.
The closure of Interstate 5 is expected to cause significant disruptions, adding up to two hours of travel time for commuters between San Diego and Los Angeles. The freeway, which carries 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight daily, is a vital artery for the region. Even passenger rail services running parallel to the I-5 have been canceled for the afternoon.
But here's the real question: Is this display of military power a necessary celebration of the Marines' legacy, or a reckless and politically charged move that endangers the public? As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: this event has become a flashpoint in the broader struggle over the direction of the nation. What do you think? Is this an appropriate way to honor the Marines' 250th anniversary, or has it gone too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
