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Vice President JD Vance, a distinguished Marine veteran, is set to attend a milestone event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps in California this Saturday. However, his communications team has raised concerns, accusing California Governor Gavin Newsom of disseminating misleading information ahead of the much-anticipated festivities.
In a pointed message on the social media platform X, Governor Newsom stated that shutting down the I-5 freeway for missile launches from ships is not an appropriate way to respect the military. He urged that instead of focusing on self-promoting events, the priority should be to ensure the troops receive proper pay.
The governor’s comments came as he retweeted a post from the progressive outlet MeidasTouch. This post claimed that the White House intended to temporarily close parts of the I-5 due to Vice President Vance’s Marine Corps event, which would lead to chaos, traffic gridlock, and anger while soldiers went unpaid during the shutdown.
William Martin, serving as the special assistant to the vice president, quickly responded to Newsom’s remarks. He characterized the claims as entirely false.
Martin stated, “This is complete fake news. The Marine Corps confirmed they are NOT shutting down the I-5 highway, and the upcoming event at Camp Pendleton is primarily a training exercise. Additionally, President Trump is making sure the troops receive their pay, in contrast to Senator Chuck Schumer’s attempts to hold their salaries hostage.”
The Marine Corps issued a press release about the upcoming celebrations, confirming that there would be no public highways or transportation routes closed for the event.
According to their announcement, the I Marine Expeditionary Force will conduct a live-fire demonstration of amphibious capabilities at Red Beach, Camp Pendleton. Following this demonstration, the event will include a community Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This celebration is part of the broader commemoration of the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday and America’s Semiquincentennial.
The press release elaborated, “The force training activities planned are designed to enhance our readiness to defend the homeland and safeguard our nation’s interests against emerging and ongoing challenges. The capabilities demonstration will showcase integrated operations involving the Navy and Marine Corps across various operational environments including air, land, and sea.”
In another development, Vance’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, voiced strong criticism regarding Governor Newsom’s comments, claiming that the governor is intentionally spreading misinformation to incite fear and play politics.
Van Kirk articulated her concerns, stating, “Governor Newsom’s tactics of spreading false information to Californians are not just misleading; they are a clear attempt to score cheap political points. Vice President Vance looks forward to celebrating the Marine Corps’ anniversary alongside the dedicated Marines, who will receive their pay thanks to President Trump’s diligent efforts, despite the Democrats’ attempted shutdown.”
Responding to the accusations, Newsom’s office expressed relief that the federal government had decided against plans to close parts of the major interstate. They added, “Now that we know the I-5 will remain open, we hope the Trump Administration will extend this common sense to the overall government shutdown scenario.”
In addition to Vice President Vance, several prominent figures are expected to attend the anniversary celebration. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith will also be present, as noted in a press release issued by Vance’s office.
As these events unfold, the dynamic between state governance and federal responsibilities remains a focal point of discussion, highlighting the intricate interplay of military respect, political rhetoric, and the operational needs of the armed forces.
In the coming days, as the Marine Corps gears up for its significant celebratory event, both sides of the political spectrum are calling attention to the broader implications of military funding, governmental operations, and civic responsibility, underscoring the need for unity and support for those who serve the nation.
