Germany’s Chancellor Merz: Trump invited me to visit Washington D.C.

Germany’s Chancellor Merz: Trump invited me to visit Washington D.C.

In a significant move for the sporting world, President Donald Trump is set to announce that Washington D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft on the National Mall. According to Hans Nichols, Marc Caputo, and Cuneyt Dil of Axios, the announcement is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. ET, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris by his side [1].

The timing of this announcement is notable, coming just days after the D.C. government announced plans to build a new stadium within the district, replacing the old RFK Stadium. This move follows the recent announcement that Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, suggesting a strategic focus on major urban centers [1].

Meanwhile, in a separate development, President Trump is looking to scale back the U.S. diplomatic presence worldwide, including in Africa. A draft executive decree, published by the New York Times, envisions the closure of nearly 30 embassies and consulates, many in Africa, by October 1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the reported plan as "fake news," but the move is part of broader budget cuts affecting domestic and foreign policy [2].

The diplomatic cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce the U.S. government's footprint and address financial pressure resulting from a heavily indebted economy. The State Department, along with other ministries and agencies, is expected to be downsized. This strategy aligns with Trump's preference for bilateral cooperation over multilateral agreements, as seen in the potential non-extension of the U.S. trade agreement with African countries (AGOA) [2].

The reduction of U.S. diplomatic presence in Africa could create opportunities for other countries, such as China, to enhance their influence on the continent. However, it is expected that the U.S. will maintain its presence in key countries with strategic mineral resources, like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria [2].

References:
[1] https://awfulannouncing.com/politics/donald-trump-2027-nfl-draft-washington-dc.html
[2] https://www.dw.com/en/trump-scales-back-us-diplomacy-in-africa/a-72391480