German media focused on US political developments, with early reports on an anonymous donor funding US soldier salaries during a shutdown (Tagesspiegel). Attention shifted to US President Trump, with a "golden fleet" initiative and an alleged plan for a third term and constitutional changes discussed (merkur.de). Concurrently, German media highlighted ongoing debates about social reforms (Sueddeutsche) and domestic issues like migrant sexual assault cases (Junge Freiheit). International relations remained a focus with US drone surveillance of the Gaza ceasefire (Spiegel) and new US sanctions impacting Russia's economy (merkur.de). Later, reports emerged on Russia's alleged use of a shipwreck for NATO espionage (merkur.de) and Beijing's economic leverage on German taxpayers (Tagesspiegel).