Trump's announcement of 25% auto import tariffs dominated German media throughout the day, with analysts calculating severe economic impacts for BMW, Mercedes, and VW. Politicians and industry leaders called for strong EU countermeasures, with Merkel's former economic advisor warning of debt dangers ahead. By midday, a tourist submarine sinking in Egypt's Red Sea with multiple casualties temporarily diverted attention.
The CDU-SPD coalition negotiations continued with leaked details indicating they would rename but essentially preserve the Bürgergeld welfare system, while planning stricter migration policies. Security concerns intensified as Interior Minister Faeser canceled her Syria trip due to terrorism threats, Moscow was reported to be planning for potential future conflict with NATO, and the German air force intercepted a Russian spy plane near Rügen.
Late reports suggested German intelligence agencies were investigating whether Russia might be responsible for recent terrorist attacks in Germany.