The cabinet reshuffle that began on July 23 collapsed into chaos on July 24. Overnight, Trump's new tariffs against 60 nations, including the EU, briefly led front pages, but by dawn the focus returned to Merz's personnel changes. The dismissal of Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder was confirmed, but the intended successor, Fritz Güntzler, rejected the post via a 4 a.m. text message, leaving the position vacant. Multiple outlets described the process as chaotic and a blow to Merz's authority. Carsten Linnemann's appointment as Health Minister drew scrutiny after old videos surfaced showing his own doubts about the role. By midday, Jürgen Klopp's introduction as national football coach provided a brief diversion, but the failed reshuffle dominated editorial judgment throughout the day, with commentators calling it a botched restart for the chancellor.