Reports that a military parade could close the Interstate 5 (I-5) in the Golden State during “No Kings” protests have sparked alarm among social media users although the White House has said the road will remain open. 

Why It Matters

The “No Kings” protest opposing President Donald Trump began in June 2025 and is set to happen again on October 18 with over 2,500 events nationwide, including major rallies in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles, denouncing moves such as the deployment of federal forces in cities and executive orders bypassing Congress. 

Meidas Touch reported that the protests will coincide with a military parade which will force I-5 closures, raising the prospect of large traffic jams at a time of heightened political tensions over the protests.

What To Know

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom responded with anger to reports carried by several outlets that the I-5 in Oceanside would be shut due to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps which will feature live artillery firing. 

The naval event coincides with nationwide protests opposing Trump’s perceived authoritarianism, which will include events across southern California.  

Newsom posted on X that Trump and Vice President JD Vance “think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military,” adding, “Put aside your vanity parade and pay our troops instead.” 

But the White House called the road closure report “fake news.”

Newsweek has contacted Newsom’s office and the California Department of Transportation for comment outside of office hours.  

MeidasTouch reported that the White House had planned to shut down sections of the I-5 on Friday and Saturday, which would coincide with both the No Kings protests and a federal government closure. 

The Los Angeles Times said Newsom was considering shutting parts of the road due to live ordnance for the military celebration off Camp Pendleton’s coast in which Navy ships would fire over the freeway onto the base. Camp Pendleton in northwestern San Diego County has been training soldiers for amphibious missions since World War II. 

The LA Times said that Newsom’s office has received, but not confirmed, reports that live ordnance would be fired from offshore vessels during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary event. A military media advisory said the celebration called “Sea to Shore—A Review of Amphibious Strength” will include a live amphibious assault demonstration. 

Vance’s communications director William Martin shared Newsom’s post on X, saying it was “fake news,” the Marine Corps said it is not shutting down the I-5 highway and that the event at Camp Pendleton is a training exercise. 

But the Times reported that freeway closures were being considered for a section of I-5 between Orange County to San Diego County from Friday to Saturday. 

California Department of Transportation spokesman Edward Barrera told the paper that potential scenarios given by the federal government meant that it was preparing to shut down a section of the highway for the safety of California motorists. 

This is expected to cause traffic gridlock at the time when multiple events related to the “No Kings” protest were planned across California on Friday and Saturday, including in the city of Oceanside adjacent to Camp Pendleton North. 

What People Are Saying 

California governor Gavin Newsom: “Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military. PUT ASIDE YOUR VANITY PARADE AND PAY OUR TROOPS INSTEAD.” 

California Department of Transportation spokesman Edward Barrera, per the LA Times: “If the federal government requests a closure of the freeway, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California.” 

JD Vance’s communications director William Martin on X: “ Fake news: the Marine Corps said they are NOT shutting down the I-5 highway and that the event at Camp Pendleton is a training exercise.” 

What Happens Next 

The White House has said that there would no road closure, but the statement from California Department of Transportation suggested that the move was being considered, adding to tensions ahead of the protests against the Trump administration.