Sign in Subscribe
Artillery shells

Gavin Newsom Slams Trump and Vance Over Military Live-Fire Exercise

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

California Governor Gavin Newsom lashed out at President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance after an artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, hitting two vehicles, including one belonging to Vance's motorcade, without causing any injuries. Newsom criticized the White House for putting civilians at risk to put on a show, saying "If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them." He reposted his office's criticism, attaching a photo of the device that caused the shrapnel. Newsom's office also accused the Marine Corps of overreacting by shutting down the main interstate highway in San Diego for the event, saying the Governor "overreacted when he closed a portion of the freeway to protect the public." However, after the incident, Newsom wants apologies from the White House, stating that an apology is owed to not just Californians, but all Americans. The incident has sparked a heated debate between the Governor and the White House, with Vance's office and Republican California Rep. Darrell Issa accusing Newsom of overruling the best-trained and most-experienced leaders of the Marine Corps.

Key Takeaways:

  • An artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, hitting two vehicles, including one belonging to Vice President JD Vance's motorcade.
  • No injuries were reported, but the incident sparked a heated debate between Governor Gavin Newsom and the White House over the safety of the event.
  • Newsom accused the White House of putting civilians at risk to put on a show, saying "If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them."
  • The Marine Corps said it was investigating the incident, maintaining that rehearsals were conducted to ensure "success at every phase of execution."
  • The incident highlighted the controversy surrounding the White House's handling of military live-fire exercises, with some accusing Gov. Newsom of overreacting and others claiming the event was risky and unnecessary.
  • The incident has sparked a heated debate between the Governor and the White House, with Vance's office and Republican California Rep. Darrell Issa accusing Newsom of overruling the best-trained and most-experienced leaders of the Marine Corps.
  • The California Highway Patrol reported that metal shrapnel from the detonation hit one of its vehicles, and a motorcycle that was part of Vance's security detail was also impacted.

Statistics:

  • 2 vehicles hit by shrapnel, including one belonging to Vice President JD Vance's motorcade.
  • No injuries reported.
  • 1 artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5.
  • The incident occurred during a military live-fire exercise held for the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary.
  • The event was shut down after the incident, with the California Highway Patrol reporting that metal shrapnel from the detonation hit one of its vehicles.

Sources:

  • Governor Newsom's press office (@GovPressOffice)
  • The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/us/artillery-interstate-5-marines.html)
  • MeidasTouch (https://meidasnews.com/news/exclusive-trump-may-launch-missiles-from-warships-into-california-this-friday-and-saturday-as-part-of-vanity-parade-)
  • The Daily Beast (https://www.thedailybeast.com/gavin-newsom-rages-at-white-house-after-artillery-shell-detonates-during-marines-celebration/)
  • California Highway Patrol (https://myemail.constantcontact.com/CHP-News-Release---CHP-PRODUCES-INCIDENT-REPORT-AFTER-ARTILLERY-ROUND-FROM-CAMP-PENDLETON-PREMATURELY-DETONATED-MIDFLIGHT-WITH--.html?soid=1142229491225&aid=A_u2XOsqzQ0)

Read more