A Bild online poll published Sept. 12 found 78% of respondents said Friedrich Merz is not fit to serve as chancellor, 14% said he is, and 8% gave no answer. The survey was commissioned by Bild and conducted by INSA. Bild said public approval for Merz has fallen since mid-2025, when over 30% of respondents approved his performance.

Wall Street Journal cites Motor Intelligence data showing Tesla's share of the U.S. electric-vehicle market rose to 52% in the first eight months of 2026, up from 43% a year earlier, amid retreat by legacy automakers. Tesla's U.S. deliveries YTD are 325,351 units, down 16% YoY; the wider U.S. EV market contracted about 30% YoY. Tesla's share had exceeded 80% historically but fell to a record low of 41% in 2025 after increased EV launches from Hyundai, Ford and GM and reputational fallout tied to CEO Elon Musk's political activity, including store protests. The Austin-based company is regaining share despite signaling a de-emphasis of its core auto business.

The Pentagon's Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, Duffy, urged Congress to quickly approve the Trump administration's FY2027 $1.5 tln defense budget to replenish critical weapons and ammunition stockpiles. He said the department has signed procurement contracts with defense firms and is awaiting funding to meet warfighter requirements. The Pentagon will work with Congress in the coming months to secure full appropriations for all defense programs.