SOFREP Morning Brief: Trump Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington on Memorial Day, Van Slams Into Liverpool Victory Parade

Welcome to SOFREP’s morning brief! Begin your Tuesday informed with the latest defense and global affairs stories for May 27, 2025. Today’s headlines: Trump honored troops at Arlington but drew criticism for political posts. Uganda ended military ties with Germany over diplomatic tensions. Chinese and US carriers maneuvered near contested seas. ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China met to strengthen economic ties. Guam’s governor visited Taiwan amid rising China threats. A van hit Liverpool fans at a parade, injuring over 45—police say it’s not terrorism. Germany now allows Ukraine to strike inside Russia with Western weapons.

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Trump Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Amid Political Rhetoric on Memorial Day

President Donald Trump led Memorial Day commemorations at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, paying tribute to fallen US service members as “America’s best and bravest.”

In a ceremonial tradition, Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, pausing for a moment of silence before saluting during the playing of taps.

Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accompanied him.

During his speech, Trump highlighted the sacrifices of Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, killed in Syria in 2019 during her fifth deployment, and Senior Master Sergeant Elroy Harworth, who died in Vietnam while his wife was pregnant. He praised their legacy and vowed to strengthen the nation in their honor.

pic.twitter.com/b19JtrkCiS

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2025

Vance, in brief remarks, emphasized the importance of restraint in sending Americans to war, echoing the solemn tone of the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Trump posted a series of controversial social media messages, calling President Joe Biden “scum” and attacking federal judges for halting his deportation plans. He also sparked criticism by posting “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” a phrase often viewed as inappropriate for the day of remembrance.

Uganda Suspends Military Ties With Germany Over Alleged Diplomatic Interference

Uganda has suspended all military cooperation with Germany, accusing German Ambassador Matthias Schauer of “subversive activities,” according to a statement released by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) on Sunday.

The UPDF alleged that some European diplomats were supporting “traitorous groups” and singled out Schauer for criticism.

The move follows diplomatic backlash over the conduct of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and current head of the army. Kainerugaba, widely seen as his father’s successor, has drawn criticism for inflammatory social media posts, including threats against opposition members and boasting about torturing an opposition bodyguard.

Kainerugaba stated that issues with Schauer were personal and not reflective of broader relations with Germany. European diplomats had reportedly expressed their concerns in a recent meeting with Museveni’s brother, Salim Saleh, who allegedly pledged to address Kainerugaba’s behavior.

UPDF Suspends Defence Cooperation with Germany over Ambassador’s Conduct

Kampala, Sunday May 25, 2025

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has with immediate effect suspended all ongoing defence and military cooperation activities with the Federal Republic of Germany.…

— Chris Magezi (@ChrisOMagezi) May 25, 2025

The diplomatic rift comes amid a broader crackdown on political opposition ahead of Uganda’s January elections, where Museveni aims to extend his 40-year rule. Despite tensions, Germany and Uganda maintain significant economic ties, with bilateral trade totaling approximately $335 million in 2023. Schauer has served as ambassador since 2020.

Chinese, US Carrier Groups Maneuver Near East and South China Seas Amid Rising Tensions

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Liaoning Carrier Strike Group was operating 124 miles north of the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Sunday, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office.

The carrier CNS Liaoning launched fighter aircraft while accompanied by destroyers Qiqihar and Tangshan and frigates Binzhou and Anyang.

Japan responded by scrambling fighters and deploying the destroyer JS Takanami and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the group.

JSDF continues to responding to protect our territory and peace for the people of Japan 24/7. (sample image)

— Japan Joint Staff (@JapanJointStaff) May 26, 2025

The Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan, remain a flashpoint for regional military tension. Unlike the PLAN’s other carrier, Shandong, which has deployed twice to the Philippine Sea this year, Liaoning had previously stayed near its homeport of Qingdao—though it may be poised to expand its operational reach.

Meanwhile, the US Navy’s USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) departed Port Klang, Malaysia, on Sunday after a port visit, transiting east through the Singapore Strait into the South China Sea. Nearby, Japanese frigate JS Yahagi was also detected in the strait, returning to Japan after participating in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA).

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group includes destroyers USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123) and USS Gridley (DDG-101). The Higbee was moving south in the Malacca Strait, while Gridley recently departed Singapore after a port call.

U.S. service members and military units arrived on the Malaysian island of Langkawi to participate in the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA 25) from May 20-24.

Read more: https://t.co/2S7LlJwtt7 pic.twitter.com/cPe6EbUzJg

— 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) May 21, 2025

In Japan, USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Yokosuka for sea trials ahead of its summer patrol—its first operational deployment since returning as the US Navy’s forward-deployed carrier. Carrier Air Wing 5 is currently conducting carrier landing drills on Iwo Jima.

Also active is USS America (LHA-6), which began its final patrol before transfer to San Diego, making way for USS Tripoli (LHA-7) as Japan’s new forward-deployed amphibious assault ship. America is currently operating in the Philippine Sea.

ASEAN, Gulf States, and China Convene in Kuala Lumpur to Strengthen Economic Ties

Southeast Asia’s ASEAN bloc and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are set to hold a trilateral summit with China on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and resilience amid global instability and rising US tariffs.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, opening the ASEAN-GCC summit, emphasized the need for deeper interregional ties to secure sustainable prosperity.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will join the meeting—the first of its kind—marking Beijing’s effort to position itself as a reliable economic partner. ASEAN, which includes ten Southeast Asian nations, is maintaining a balancing act between the US and China. Six ASEAN members have been hit hard by US tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%, prompting Anwar to push for a separate ASEAN summit with President Donald Trump on the issue.

ASEAN Leaders, joined by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, engaged with youth representatives at the Leaders’ Interface with ASEAN Youth, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Interface underscored ASEAN’s commitment to meaningful engagement in regional governance. In their… pic.twitter.com/kOwDHQle4d

— ASEAN (@ASEAN) May 26, 2025

Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah noted that ASEAN-GCC trade reached $130.7 billion in 2023 and called for stronger crisis management cooperation. The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Analysts warn that ASEAN’s growing tilt toward China, particularly its muted stance on Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, could erode US engagement in the region. While ASEAN relies on US defense support, its deepening economic ties with China risk increasing Beijing’s influence at Washington’s expense.

Guam Governor Visits Taiwan Amid Rising China Threats

Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero is visiting Taiwan this week in her first trip to the island since taking office in 2019, as tensions with China continue to escalate.

Guam, a critical US military outpost in the Pacific, is expected to play a key role in any US response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Guam hosts roughly 9,700 US troops across all major branches and serves as a strategic staging point for American military operations in the Indo-Pacific. Located about 3,000 miles from mainland China, it remains within range of Chinese ballistic missiles, heightening concerns that it could be targeted in a future conflict.

Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for her first visit since taking office as head of the U.S. territory’s government in 2019, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). https://t.co/Wcq6wZgZu2

— Focus Taiwan (CNA English News) (@Focus_Taiwan) May 25, 2025

Governor Guerrero will meet with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and other officials to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas including defense, transportation, health care, and fisheries. Her visit underscores growing ties between Taiwan and US Pacific territories amid China’s efforts to expand influence in the region.

Guam, despite being a US territory, does not have presidential voting rights. Its strategic value, however, remains central to US war planning scenarios involving Taiwan and China.

Van Slams Into Liverpool Victory Parade, Injures Over 45

A 53-year-old British man drove a gray minivan into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans celebrating the team’s Premier League championship on Monday, injuring more than 45 people in what police say is not being treated as terrorism.

The incident unfolded as the parade was ending, with the van ramming into supporters dressed in red, sending bodies flying and creating panic.

Paramedics transported 27 people to hospitals, including two in serious condition. Another 20 received treatment at the scene. Among the injured were at least four children. Four victims, including one child, were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by firefighters. A bicycle paramedic was struck but not injured.

Witnesses described the van accelerating through the crowd multiple times. Video footage captured the vehicle knocking over fans and pushing them along the road. One witness said the driver appeared deliberate in his actions. Police arrested the suspect at the scene and urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation.

⚡️SHOCKING VIDEO – #UK: A car plowed into several pedestrians in #Liverpool during the parade celebrating the club’s Premier League victory. The incident occurred on Water Street. The driver was arrested on the spot.#Liverpool #BreakingNews #PremierLeague #UKNews #WaterStreet pic.twitter.com/BQbkcLH1mB

— HITNEWSLATEST (@HITNEWSWORLD) May 26, 2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “appalling” and praised first responders. The city had gathered in the hundreds of thousands for the long-awaited celebration after being denied one in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The tragedy has cast a shadow over Liverpool’s historic 20th top-flight title win.

Liverpool FC and the Premier League issued statements expressing solidarity with the victims. The motive behind the crash remains under investigation.

Germany Lifts Range Restrictions on Weapons Supplied to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Germany, along with the US, the United Kingdom, and France, has lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to strike military targets inside Russia.

Speaking at a public forum, Merz confirmed that Ukraine is now authorized to use long-range systems for “attacking military positions in the hinterland.”

This shift marks a significant escalation in Western military support, though Merz did not clarify whether this change includes Germany’s controversial Taurus cruise missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles). His predecessor, Olaf Scholz, had refused to supply the missiles, but Merz previously supported doing so while in opposition.

Merz’s statement — that there are no longer any range restrictions for weapons supplied by Germany, the UK and more — is currently going viral. I believe that many people greatly overestimate the importance of his statement when it comes to Germany.

First of all, the Chancellor… https://t.co/QeibyaZEhu pic.twitter.com/VFyp5zzBAO

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua) May 26, 2025

Germany, the second-largest military donor to Ukraine after the US, has now adopted a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” declining to publicly disclose specifics about weapon deliveries.

The Kremlin condemned the move as “dangerous” and warned it undermines efforts toward a political resolution.

Merz has been active diplomatically since taking office three weeks ago, aiming to maintain Western unity and pressure Moscow for a ceasefire.

Sources: News Agencies