San Clemente woke to gridlock Saturday as a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 through Camp Pendleton was periodically closed for a preplanned live-fire exercise, amid a dispute between California and the Trump administration. Drivers faced at least 30-minute delays near El Camino Real; some made illegal near-90-degree turns before CHP shut an onramp. City Councilmember Mark Enmeier decried the unannounced closures and costs, and a nearby cafe owner lamented slower business. Gov. Gavin Newsom faulted the White House’s coordination ahead of a Marine Corps 250th anniversary event featuring Vice President JD Vance. California cited safety.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.