A plan to fire live artillery shells over a major Southern California highway as part of a military showcase attended by Vice President JD Vance has drawn strong objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom

Vice President JD Vance’s trip to a military base in California illustrated rising tensions between the federal government and Democratic leaders.

California Governor Gavin Newsom had warned against the live fire demonstration, which would shoot artillery over a freeway.

Vice President JD Vance's team accused Golden State Gov. Gavin Newsom of promoting "Fake News" ahead of this weekend's Marine Corps anniversary festivities.

JD Vance joined his fellow Marines at Camp Pendleton in California Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.

Both Vance, a former Marine who served as a public affairs officer in Iraq, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth celebrated the show of force and praised the gathered troops for their service to the country and for adhering to standards they argue have eroded in the quest for diversity under previous administrations.

"Artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of the I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route," the statement said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has reacted angrily to the Trump administration’s reported plans for a lavish military parade in his state on Saturday, coinciding with the latest round of No Kings protests.