Trump Escalates Feud with Germany, Floats Troop Withdrawals from Spain and Italy
President Donald Trump has again lashed out at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling him to focus on “fixing his broken country” and the Russia-Ukraine war, rather than “interfering” in Iran. The outburst came after Trump suggested a review of the US military presence in Germany, with a possible reduction of troops. During an Oval Office event with rightwing reporters, Trump was baited into saying he would consider withdrawing troops from bases in Spain and Italy over their unwillingness to join his war on Iran. “Yeah, probably,” Trump replied. “Why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible.”
German officials sought to downplay the row, noting that Trump had made similar threats during his first term. Merz earlier this week criticized the US for having no exit strategy from Iran, but on Thursday struck a more conciliatory tone at a military base in Münster, emphasizing NATO ties and criticizing Iran for refusing peace talks.
Hegseth Accused of Exaggerating Iran War Success
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defense secretary, was accused by a senior Democrat of giving the president an inaccurate picture of the Iran war, using “dangerously exaggerated” statements to portray a US military triumph. The accusation came during a Capitol Hill hearing.
Trump Signs Bill Ending Longest DHS Shutdown
Trump signed bipartisan legislation to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding immigration enforcement, ending a 75-day shutdown that threatened airport chaos and exposed Republican party strains.
States Rush to Redraw Districts After Voting Rights Act Ruling
Southern states are rapidly redrawing congressional districts after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, which protected against racial discrimination in voting maps.
FCC Chair Denies ABC License Review Linked to Kimmel Joke
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied that forcing ABC to apply early for license renewals was related to a Jimmy Kimmel joke last Thursday.
Democrats Slam EPA Budget Proposal as Climate Denial
Senate Democrats accused the Trump administration of abandoning the EPA’s mission, criticizing a proposal to cut the agency’s budget in half.
Court Refuses to Hear Trump’s Appeal in Carroll Case
A federal appeals court declined to hear Trump’s appeal of the $83 million defamation verdict for E. Jean Carroll.
Cannabis Reclassification Sparks Confusion
The Trump administration partially rescheduled cannabis, moving medical and FDA-approved products from Schedule I to Schedule III, raising questions for the industry.
Trump Removes Tariffs on Scotch Whisky
After King Charles’s White House visit, Trump announced removal of tariffs on whisky imports, citing Scottish and Kentucky cooperation.
Other Notable Events
- Voting rights advocates organize after Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act.
- Maine Governor Janet Mills dropped her Senate bid weeks before the Democratic primary.
- US GDP grew 2% in Q1 2026, but consumer spending slows due to Iran war impact on energy prices.
- Justice Department rolled back gun restrictions, reinstating the “gun show loophole.”
- Camp Mystic in Texas abandoned plans to reopen after a catastrophic flood killed 27 last year.
