Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom spread false information on Wednesday about the White House shutting down parts of a highway during an anti-Trump protest in an attempt to smear Vice President J.D. Vance.
MeidasTouch, citing “several sources,” reported that the White House planned to shut down Interstate 5 for Vance to lead a so-called “vanity parade” in celebration of the Marine Corps. 250th anniversary. While citing the report, Newsom’s press office fell for the false information and stated on X that the so-called “vanity parade” is an “absurd show of force.”
“This would be an absurd show of force, and totally uncalled for during a government shutdown when members of the military cannot even get a paycheck,” Newsom’s press office wrote on X.
Vance’s communications director, William Martin, confirmed that the report is “complete fake news” and that the I-5 highway is not shutting down. He added that the troops are also getting paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.
“This is complete 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. Also, President Trump IS paying the troops despite Chuck Schumer’s efforts to hold their salaries hostage,” Martin said.
The I Marine Expeditionary Force will host a live-fire Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Red Beach, Camp Pendleton on Saturday to celebrate the 250th anniversary, according to a Marine Corps. press release. The event is a training exercise that will be held on approved training ranges and follow safety protocols. No highways or transportation routes will be closed during that time.
Newsom doubled down on the false story, accusing President Donald Trump and Vance of putting on a vanity parade instead of paying the troops.
“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,” Newsom wrote.
Polls have shown that Newsom is leading the 2028 Democratic primary field. He has become a leading voice in opposing Trump and has repeatedly imitated Trump’s speaking style on social media. Vance told Fox News’ Will Cain in August that Newsom is being inauthentic through his failed attempts to “mimic” Trump.
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