For the last four years, the German media, politicians and the public in general have dismissed the notion of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Repeatedly, he was vilified and portrayed as the greatest threat to Germany and the world. Trump’s victory created a shock wave in Germany, but some see an opportunity.

Nikolaus Blome of Spiegel, who has described Trump as the enemy of freedom, seemed perplexed leading up to the election:

After his defeat in 2020, I thought it was the end of “Trumpism” because Donald Trump could not possibly make a comeback and there could be no Trumpism without Trump. Wrong thinking. Instead, shortly before the next election, the question arises as to why Donald Trump has around 50 percent of voters on his side.

After the election, another Spiegel journalist wrote: “What we don’t know, and what seems inexplicable at first, is why Trump was reelected.”

Dozens of other media outlets warned of Trump’s return to the White House, but some were more rational. As Bild wrote on Election Day:

If you believe experts and politicians on some German talk shows, the world will end if Donald Trump wins the [United States] election today against Kamala Harris.

Such horrific predictions are completely exaggerated, as the political record of his first term in office has shown.

A Trump victory could even offer opportunities for Europe: The old Continent could be forced to move closer together, to show its colors more clearly instead of hiding behind Washington.

For decades, people have advocated for a stronger, more united Europe. Some believe Trump’s presidency could help bring it about. In “Europe’s Fear of Trump—and Secret Hopes for His Victory,” Welt commented:

Behind the scenes in Brussels—at least here and there—there seems to be a secret longing for Trump. “Perhaps,” said a Commission employee, “the [European Union] would finally wake up after a Trump victory and tackle its problems.” For example, the international community urgently needs to invest more money in technologies such as artificial intelligence, conclude new free trade agreements and increase spending on defense. “None of this is really progressing,” he said. “But that could change if President Trump introduces new tariffs or threatens to withdraw from nato.”

Waking up to Trump could have radical ramifications for Europe and speed up lots of projects that have been put on ice.

Trade

One way Donald Trump promises to save the American economy is by increasing tariffs on imports to 10 percent or even 20 percent. The U.S. was Germany’s most important trading partner in the first six months of this year. A study by the German Economic Institute says that such a trade war could mean a loss of €180 billion (us$195 billion) for Germany over four years.

“A trans-Atlantic trade war is negative for both sides, especially for the German export industry, which is already in crisis,” according to economist Thomas Obst. As a result, Germany fears losing 151,000 jobs.

In recent years, Germany benefited greatly from trading with the U.S. while the U.S. suffered trade deficits worth $70 billion in 2021. Now Germany fears losing this economic advantage.

But some see an opportunity here. Zach Meyers, from the Center for European Reform (cer) think tank, advocates for economic agreements with other regions of the world, such as South America. “Such cooperation,” Meyers says, “could help Europe to defend the global trading system against Washington’s protectionism.”

Welt commented:

According to the cer, the EU may be more dependent on countries such as Brazil and Argentina after November 5—and will have to rethink its economic policy. For example, according to an analysis by the think tank, it is questionable whether the commission will still be able to demand as many rules on environmental protection as before concluding new trade agreements.

The Trumpet and its predecessor, the Plain Truth, have long expected strong trade deals between Europe and Latin America due to specific Bible prophecies. You can read more about these in Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s article “America Is Being Besieged Economically.”

Trump’s return to the White House will hasten this prophecy—and it is not the only one.

Militarism

Economic fears have been compounded by military angst. As Mr. Flurry noted in the April Trumpet issue:

One development that is hastening European leaders’ efforts to boost their power is the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency. Combine this with Russian President Vladimir Putin expanding his war in Ukraine, and Europeans are frightened!

The effect on Europe should not be underestimated.

Earlier this year, Trump stated:

nato was busted until I came along. I said, “Everybody’s gonna pay.” They said, “Well, if we don’t pay, are you still going to protect us?” I said, “Absolutely not.” They couldn’t believe the answer. …

I came in, I made a speech, and I said you got to pay up. They asked me that question. One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, “Well, sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?” I said, “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?” He said, “Yes, let’s say that happened.” “No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever … they want. You got to pay; you got to pay your bills.” And the money came flowing in.

The story evidently revolved around Trump getting nato members to pay their share. The media used the story to portray Trump as a Russian agent who encouraged Russia to invade Europe.

Following Trump’s election victory, European leaders have been quick to call for more military spending and European unity. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of Germany’s federal defense committee, noted: “The times when we wished for peace and security but left the implementation to others are over.”

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: “We are going to work for a more united, stronger, more sovereign Europe in this new context.”

European military unification has been a big topic for decades. Trump’s election will hasten this trend, which the Trumpet and the Plain Truth have long predicted. In August 1978, the late Herbert W. Armstrong warned:

The Europeans are far more disturbed about their safety in relying on United States military power to protect them than Americans realize! …

Europeans want their own united military power! They know that a political union of Europe would produce a third major world power, as strong as either the U.S. or the ussr—possibly stronger!

Remarkably, Mr. Armstrong also prophesied that Britain would not be part of this union and that its unification would be a detriment to the U.S.

Daniel 2 and Revelation 17 informed Mr. Armstrong’s forecast. These chapters speak of the rise of a united military power consisting of 10 nations or groups of nations. We are now seeing these powers emerge, and we are watching for the moment prophesied in Revelation 17:13: “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

What’s Ahead

What Trump is planning could relieve the U.S. economy and accelerate Europe’s military rise. Both of these trends are described in Mr. Flurry’s book America Under Attack.

As Mr. Flurry explains, the U.S. has suffered years of affliction under disastrous government policies that began with President Barack Obama. These events parallel the affliction of ancient Israel that temporarily ended under King Jeroboam ii. The similarities with Donald Trump are not a coincidence; they are prophesied in 2 Kings 14:26-28 and Amos 7.

God allows America’s resurgence to give the nation and its allies, primarily Britain and Israel, an opportunity to repent. Mr. Flurry writes:

America’s temporary resurgence gives these three nations and their peoples one last chance to repent, but that window will remain open only for a few short years or less! Soon we will face consequences for not heeding God’s warning ….

God will make America great again! But the Bible shows that He will do so only after hard correction. God is giving these warnings in an effort to save people from that fate. He is extending mercy for a short while before the punishment is carried out. …

God is full of mercy and love, and He is quick to forgive and protect. But to receive God’s forgiveness and protection, the people of America—and any person of any race or nation—must repent. We must stop sinning, stop rebelling against God’s law, and stop resisting God.

It is no coincidence that just as America is gearing up for another Trump presidency, Europe is gearing up to form new economic alliances and strengthen its military. These events are orchestrated by God to give our world a chance to repent.

For a detailed explanation on what is prophesied for America and what it means for you, request Mr. Flurry’s free book America Under Attack.