Guttenberg: The One-Man Bridge
Since the inauguration of United States President Donald Trump, relations between Germany and the U.S. have drastically declined. Yet amid the tensions, one man may hold the key to their future ties: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.
He has spent much of his political career furthering the trans-Atlantic relationship. In 2003, Guttenberg joined the American German Young Leaders program. In 2011, after resigning from German politics, he moved his family to America, where he continued to advocate close U.S.-Germany ties.
Ever since he left office, news media and politicians have remained interested in Guttenberg’s strategic insight. With his consultant firm Spitzberg Partners, he helps companies do business across the Atlantic.
Guttenberg believes in cooperation between the U.S. and Germany, lest Russia, China and others benefit. Yet, although he lived his last eight years in America, he is staunchly European. He advocates a stronger, more assertive and independent European Union and praises Europe’s cultural achievements. Asked by Austria’s Puls 4-Talk, what the best place to live is, he simply answered, “Europe.”
But Guttenberg also enjoys great favor in America. He speaks often on Fox Business, appears occasionally on cnbc and cnn International, and has written articles for Time and the Wall Street Journal. He is also well connected with the political community.
In general, Americans love Germany and want a good relationship. According to a 2018 survey by the Körber Foundation and Pew Research, 70 percent of Americans described relations with Germany as “somewhat good” or “very good.” In stark contrast, the study found that 73 percent of Germans saw relations as “somewhat bad” or “very bad.”
While Guttenberg appears to ardently support U.S.-Germany relations, he is no fan of America’s current president. President Trump stands for an America-first policy that has pushed back against many U.S. allies. He has exposed Germany for having taken unfair advantage of the U.S. in trade and relying on the U.S. security umbrella without paying its fair share. Guttenberg often criticizes Trump for his “erratic” nature and has called him “a jack in the box” and “a clown in the White House.” This criticism is most revealing. It suggests a certain contempt not just for the man, but also for the 63 million Americans who voted for him.
There is growing desire within Europe for independence from America. Many leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass, are calling for Europe to sever ties. And conditions are prime for this: The U.S. is declining in influence and pulling away from the Continent. The German-led Europe undeniably has less need for the U.S. than it once had.
Guttenberg says the two continents should continue their partnership. Many in America believe this message. However, evidence shows that Germany is mostly interested in exploiting the relationship to facilitate its own rise to greatness, which means this message is dangerous and deceitful.
For decades, Germany and the U.S. have been allies. They have shared military strategies and technologies on a level that demands a high degree of trust. But the Bible warns that this supposed friendship will prove fatal.
A prophecy in Ezekiel 23 shows that Assyria, modern-day Germany, will betray the U.S. “Wherefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, upon whom she doted” (verse 9). As punishment for its sins, God will deliver America into the hands of its enemy, which it trusted as an ally. “Ezekiel 23 explains this heinous double cross,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry writes in his book Ezekiel: The End-Time Prophet (free upon request).
Guttenberg’s cordiality—and underlying animosity—are a picture of how this prophecy will likely come to pass. He may be perfectly positioned to instill greater trust in America, only to execute this prophesied double cross. If he comes to power, German-U.S. relations may see somewhat of a brief renaissance. But beware: Betrayal looms.