Two years ago, I authored a post originally titled “Avenues to Armageddon.” A slightly edited version was reposted a year later as “Armageddon: Humanity’s Fragile Existence and Faith in the Last Days.”

I noted in that post that the Doomsday Clock was, at that time, sitting at a mere 90 seconds before midnight. It has subsequently moved a tick closer.

My intent was to bring awareness that the last days may indeed be upon us – yet those of us in Christ can take comfort in the knowledge that we have salvation in Him. Scripture is clear that such days, if not already here, are forthcoming.

I also speculated on the potential origins of the global apocalypse that would precipitate Armageddon. Among them:

• Nuclear annihilation;
• Cataclysmic climate change rendering our planet uninhabitable;
• A global pestilence;
• A technology meltdown or incursion rendering defense, financial, governmental and other systems inoperable leading to universal chaos;
• A technology takeover of global systems driven by irresponsible management of artificial intelligence enterprises;

Let’s consider each of these, briefly examining the policies and actions of the Trump administration that make each scenario more probable.

Nuclear Proliferation: The Trump administration has pulled out of or scaled back involvement in several multilateral treaties or agreements critics considered essential to help restrain or provide transparency in nuclear arms. This includes the 2019 withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) allowing both the U.S. and Russia more freedom in the deployment of intermediate‑range missiles increasing tensions in Europe and Asia – and the 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA (better known as the Iran Nuclear Deal) prompting Iran to step back from compliance and step up nuclear efforts. Trump’s rhetoric has also increased tensions based on his stated belief that the U.S. must “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.”

Cataclysmic Climate Change: The administration has rolled back several regulations related to emissions and pollution including The Clean Power Plan, vehicle efficiency and emission standards, and protocols limiting methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure – all of which led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gases. Executive Order 14162 formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord while the administration also pulled back from funding and commitments related to international climate cooperation. Moreover, fossil fuel development is being fast-tracked while clean energy initiatives are being blocked. Perhaps most dangerously, Trump seeks to repeal the government’s endangerment finding that carbon dioxide emissions harm public health. Should that occur, the EPA could no longer regulate auto or power plant emissions.

Pestilence: Several Trump actions have increased global vulnerability to future pandemics and undermined preparedness. Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization in 2020 has weakened the potential for global coordination during a public health crisis while sowing international distrust of this country as a partner in global health. The NSC’s Pandemic Office – tasked with pandemic preparedness and response – was dismantled by Trump in 2018. Trump’s appointment of Robert Kennedy, Jr. to the post of Health & Human Services Secretary has fomented vaccine apprehension, cast unwarranted skepticism on medical science, completely upended such agencies as the FDA and CDC, and eroded public trust. His “big, beautiful bill” has dramatically damaged the U.S. health system by reducing access to vulnerable populations, increasing costs for insured and undermining the financial viability of healthcare providers – further crippling this nation’s pandemic response.

Technology Melt-Down Resulting in Global Chaos: I don’t know that I can pin this one on POTUS, but there is clearly a scenario in which the technological systems we rely on are compromised. With seemingly every global actor seeking to infiltrate the computer systems of its enemies – and often its allies – there is interminable vulnerability to universal chaos. There is one system, in particular, that fits within the apocalyptic prophecies of many Christians – the global financial system. Specifically, some see Revelation 13 as intimating a one-world government and single world currency as precursors to the apocalypse. Logically this currency would be digital, making Trump’s recent 180-degree flip on cryptocurrencies thought-provoking. His pre-2021 criticism contrasts with his 2024 acceptance of crypto donations, pro-crypto rhetoric and, significantly, the Trump family’s aggressive participation in crypto projects that have produced personal gains estimated to be $500 million to $2 billion. Interestingly, his rhetoric towards Canada, Greenland and other sovereign nations may hint at aspirations to lead a one-world government.

Irresponsible Management of Artificial Intelligence Enterprises: Hollywood has essentially prophesied of the threat posed by AI for more than 40 years. Way back in 1983, the movie WarGames dramatized the potential peril associated with AI and military computer systems. A year later, Terminator projected similar warnings that AI, given unwarranted autonomy and control – particularly in military scenarios – can act against humanity. The Trump administration remains unmoved by such prognostications. Instead, POTUS has revoked the Biden-era Executive Order (14110) that required safety tests, comprehensive reporting on high-risk AI systems and ensured transparency in AI development. One of Trump’s first EO’s upon returning to office was 14179, shifting focus from risk mitigation to the promotion of unencumbered AI development for commercial and military purposes.

Trump has often intimated that he believes he is fulfilling a divine role or mission, particularly when it aligns with political goals or audience expectations. Perhaps he genuinely believes he is doing “God’s work” in a spiritual sense. I am of the belief, however, that such rhetoric is more likely a strategic narrative to con and connect with religious supporters.

I actually do believe he is doing God’s work, albeit unwittingly. Throughout scripture, God uses people of questionable character to accomplish His will.

No, I do not believe it is God’s will to promote hate, bigotry, the pursuit of money and power, the further subjugation of the poor, and the destruction of His creation. Rather, I believe God is using Donald Trump to show beyond all doubt that the last days are upon us.

Indeed, this seems not only an apt description of the human race in these last days, but of the man who today is ostensibly the leader of the free world.

To be clear, that is my assessment of his behavior – not his heart. I cannot and will not judge his heart – only the conduct that stems from it. I pray each day that he will open that heart to God and, like King Manasseh of Judah, seek repentance and enjoy the Lord’s divine mercy in his own last days.

Related: The Deception of Trump-Love