Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Germany’s former minister of economics and defense, called for a united, militarily strong Europe to face United States President Donald Trump’s second term. A European army is already in the works, and the Trumpet believes Guttenberg could command it in the future.

In his speech at the Oberbank Business Gala in Linz, Austria, on January 8, Guttenberg stated: “As a European group, as nato, together with the Canadians, we can position ourselves much more strongly against the bully Trump.” Guttenberg warned that nato will likely radically transform during Trump’s presidency, which will force Europe to become militarily independent.

As Austria’s meinbezirk.at summarized in “United Against the ‘Bully Trump,’” Guttenberg urged Europeans not to let down on their military ambitions in case Trump negotiates a temporary peace between Russia and Ukraine. He said it would be wrong to say, “Now we have peace and quiet and can get back to pensions and care instead of spending 3.5 percent or more on Europe’s defense capability.”

Recently, German Economics Minister Robert Habeck suggested that Germany should spend 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense. But even that might not be enough in the future. On January 7, Trump stated: “I think nato should have 5 percent. They can all afford it, but they should be at 5 percent, not 2 percent.”

The combined defense spending of European Union countries reached a record €326 billion (us$335.6 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 1.9 percent of the EU’s gdp. If the EU’s economy continues to grow as projected and EU countries drastically increase their defense budgets, it could soon spend close to a trillion euros in defense.

“In a time of global upheaval and uncertain geopolitical conditions, Europe must redefine itself and actively seize opportunities,” Guttenberg noted. “We have a lot of potential that we can now draw on, and for this Europe needs self-confidence and the will to work together.” Trump’s recent statements should not primarily irritate the EU, but should be seen as a signal to “get off our European butts,” he said, according to oberbank.at. “The European Union cannot be a nonmilitary player, but must also be able to defend itself and the borders of the European Union,” he added.

“Where the law of the strongest increasingly takes hold, there is, of course, even an opportunity for the European idea. I think it’s probably just the blow we once needed,” Guttenberg observed. He also warned against nationalist thinking in Europe, as exhibited by rising far-right parties: “The more nationalists we have at the levers in the European capitals, the weaker we become in the face of those who can actually blackmail us.”

For decades, Germany has relied on the United States for defense, and there has been relative peace. This dependence was designed to ensure Germany couldn’t start another world war. Most people today don’t fear a militarily independent Europe. But the implications are profound.

Europe today, as Guttenberg admitted, does not yet have a European army. But its military unification will drastically change the world. As Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland party, told America Conservative in an interview published January 6:

[W]hen President Donald Trump demands that Germany must take responsibility for its own security in the future, he should also be clear about the full consequences. That we will listen kindly to his concerns about Nord Stream and our energy supply, but that we will make our own decisions and he must accept them, whether he likes them or not.

Europe today may not appear to be a threat. But on this Continent, tens of millions of people were slaughtered in the last century, and tens of millions more were killed during the thousand years of the Holy Roman Empire’s rule.

Russia has rediscovered its militaristic past. Jihadists in the Middle East are pursuing violent goals. China is threatening to take Taiwan. Is Europe immune to those atrocities? We have deceived ourselves into believing that sophistication saves us from past barbarities.

What if a militarized Europe rediscovers its bloody imperialistic past? What if it attempts to overthrow the English-speaking people again, or seeks to once more control the Holy Land? Imagine if Adolf Hitler had a trillion-euro military budget and all the modern military innovations, including weapons of mass destruction. What if Pope Urban ii could have called a united European military force to crusade? World history reveals that our world is not immune to repeating history.

Jesus Christ prophesied, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22).

Who will initiate this bloodshed, and why would God allow it before Christ intervenes?

Daniel 8:23-24 reveal: “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”

Our world is about to experience unparalleled suffering initiated by a “king of fierce countenance” because of our many transgressions. God is full of wrath because we reject His commandments. God is preparing His punishment (Isaiah 10:5-6; Revelation 17:17). (To understand these prophecies in their context, request A Strong German Leader Is Imminent.)

In “Guttenberg and a Revived German Militarism,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry warned:

Throughout history, Europeans and the German people in particular have looked for a strongman to lead them through crises. That is why Charlemagne, Otto the Great and Adolf Hitler came to power.

In our tumultuous world, Germany is again looking for a Charlemagne—and Guttenberg could fill this role. Germany doesn’t have another brilliant, charismatic leader like him. But the Bible reveals that it will get one.

To learn why we believe Guttenberg could fulfill this role, read “Guttenberg and a Revived German Militarism.”