Global markets crashed spectacularly with the DAX opening down 10%, creating a "Black Monday" atmosphere not seen since the pandemic. The collapse, triggered by Trump's escalating tariff policies, dominated coverage throughout the day.

By morning, financial app Trade Republic experienced outages as panic selling intensified. German automakers began suspending exports to the US, while some analysts suggested Trump may have deliberately engineered the crash to weaken the dollar.

By midday, the EU Commission proposed eliminating all industrial tariffs in a "zero-for-zero" offer, which Trump promptly rejected. Market volatility increased after a Trump advisor's comments falsely suggested a 90-day tariff pause.

Security concerns persisted with Duisburg schools closed due to right-wing threats, while police hunted for Alexander Meisner following a triple homicide in Westerwald. Evening coverage focused on whether these events signaled the "end of the American era."