In a significant turn of events, Germany's planned arms delivery from the United States appears to be indefinitely stalled. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed skepticism over whether the U.S. will deliver the promised Tomahawk missiles, which President Joe Biden pledged to Germany back in 2024. During an interview on ARD's 'Miosga', Merz commented, "As I see it at the moment, there is objectively little possibility for the U.S. to supply such weapon systems." He noted that the U.S. seems to lack sufficient resources for this delivery, stating that discussions have been ongoing for months but have not yet yielded a firm commitment from the American side. However, he also indicated that the situation is not entirely closed off.
Biden's commitment came during a NATO summit two years ago, where he pledged to station conventional medium-range weapons in Germany for the first time since the Cold War, systems that could potentially reach into Russia. He indicated that by 2026, the U.S. would provide Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, as well as SM-6 missiles and newly developed hypersonic weapons. Former President Donald Trump has neither supported nor rescinded this prior agreement publicly.
Reports suggest that the U.S. Department of Defense is reconsidering the planned deployment of a unit responsible for the operation, maintenance, and support of these medium-range missiles, coinciding with a decision to reduce the U.S. troop presence in Germany by 5,000 soldiers. Meanwhile, during an international military exercise in Morocco, two U.S. soldiers have been reported missing. The U.S. Army and Moroccan forces announced that the military personnel disappeared on Saturday evening in the southern part of the country, prompting a coordinated search operation that involves ground, air, and naval units from both U.S. and Moroccan forces.
The U.S. Army's regional command for Africa (Africom), based in Stuttgart, has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway while the search continues. The military drill, dubbed 'African Lion 2026', commenced in late April in Agadir, Morocco, and is set to last until May 8, featuring nearly 5,000 military personnel from over 40 countries.
Furthermore, President Trump has indicated plans to further reduce U.S. troop presence in Germany beyond the previously announced numbers, asserting, "We will significantly cut the number, far more than 5,000 U.S. soldiers." This announcement comes in light of the Department of Defense ordering the withdrawal of around 5,000 troops from Germany.
On a different note, the Cuban leadership has condemned Trump's recent threats against the country. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described Trump's renewed military threats as reaching a "dangerous and unprecedented level," urging the international community to respond regarding such a "drastic criminal act." He emphasized that Trump's threats seem aimed at pleasing a small, affluent, and influential group seeking revenge and domination, particularly referencing Cuban exiles in Florida. "No aggressor, regardless of their power, will find capitulation in Cuba," Díaz-Canel asserted.
Two prominent U.S. Republicans have voiced concerns regarding the announced troop reduction in Germany. Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers, chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, respectively, issued a joint statement expressing their worries about the decision to withdraw a U.S. brigade from Germany, demanding that the Department of Defense consult with oversight committees about the implications for U.S. deterrence capabilities.
In other news, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a cleric from El Salvador, as the new bishop of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, succeeding Bishop Mark E. Brennan, whose resignation was accepted. Menjivar-Ayala arrived in the U.S. as an undocumented migrant in 1990, overcoming significant challenges in his journey, including a dangerous desert crossing and a prior arrest in Mexico. He initially worked in low-skilled jobs, learned English, completed his schooling, and later pursued the priesthood, being appointed as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington in 2023.
During a press conference, Menjivar-Ayala expressed his acceptance of the new role "with great joy and humility," emphasizing his intent to engage particularly with young people, workers, and migrants. He has previously voiced criticism regarding the U.S. government's immigration policies.
In light of his announcement regarding higher tariffs on cars from the European Union, President Trump has accused German auto manufacturers of serious misconduct. At an event in Florida, Trump stated that Washington had informed Germany about the tariff move due to their failure to adhere to trade agreements. He specifically called out companies like Mercedes-Benz and BMW for taking advantage of American consumers.
As reported by t-online.de.
