Fact Check: Will Trump halt I-5 to launch missiles from warships for Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Confusion erupted online this week after social media posts claimed that the White House planned to shut down parts of California’s Interstate 5 during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Camp Pendleton for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations.

The rumor quickly gained traction after being amplified by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused the Trump administration of organizing a “vanity parade” during a government shutdown.

Claim: I-5 shutdown during Marine Corps anniversary event

The confusion began when progressive media outlet MeidasTouch published a post on Wednesday, October 15, claiming the White House would “shut down portions of the I-5” for a “massive show of force” tied to the Marine Corps anniversary event at Camp Pendleton.

The outlet further suggested that “Trump may launch missiles from warships into California this Friday and Saturday.”

Governor Newsom responded to the report on X, calling the alleged plan an “absurd show of force” and criticizing the administration for “vanity parades” during a shutdown. “Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military,” he wrote.

The post quickly went viral, fueling speculation about large-scale traffic disruptions and military activity in Southern California.

Fact check: Officials confirm no closures or missile launches planned

In response, the Marine Corps issued a statement on Wednesday evening on X, clarifying that no public highways or transportation routes would be affected by the event. “All training events will occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols,” the statement read.

Vice President Vance’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, accused Newsom of “spreading Fake News to fearmonger and score cheap political points.” Similarly, Vance’s communications director, William Martin, told reporters that the claim was “complete fake news,” emphasizing that the event was merely a “training exercise” and not a military parade.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) also confirmed that there would be no interruptions to traffic or public transport during the weekend celebration.

The Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary event at Camp Pendleton includes a live-fire amphibious demonstration at Red Beach followed by a family gathering at Del Mar Beach. The event is part of a larger weekend celebration honoring Marines and Sailors.

Newsom, seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has frequently criticized Trump and his administration’s policies. His swift response to the unverified MeidasTouch post led to a political back-and-forth between his office and Trump administration officials.

As of now, no credible reports support the claim that any section of I-5 will be closed or that missiles will be launched during the Camp Pendleton event. The Marine Corps confirmed the activities remain confined to authorized training ranges.