What do Donald Trump, Elon Musk, King Charles III, and Emmanuel Macron all have in common?
Beyond their obvious similarities as wealthy, famous men who command global attention, these individuals share another fascinating distinction: They are the most frequently cited candidates in recent online searches and discussions about the identity of the Antichrist.
This phenomenon of trying to identify the Antichrist isn’t new. Throughout history, many have attempted to match contemporary figures to biblical prophecies about this future world leader. In the 20th century alone, figures as diverse as Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin and various popes were suggested as candidates. While such speculation can be intriguing, it’s essential to ground our understanding in Scripture’s actual criteria for identifying the Antichrist.
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The Bible provides specific characteristics that will identify this figure. These can be divided into two categories: those characteristics that will be observable before his full revelation as the Antichrist, and characteristics that will only become evident afterward. There’s also one pivotal event that will confirm his identity conclusively.
Before the Antichrist’s revelation, we would expect to see several key indicators. First among them is his emergence as a charismatic world leader with exceptional intelligence and persuasive speaking abilities. Secondly, the Antichrist will play an initial role as a peacemaker (particularly regarding Israel). Thirdly, he will possess some connection to the former Roman Empire. Fourth, he will have a notable rise from relative obscurity to power. Finally, he must be male, as Scripture constantly uses masculine pronouns to describe him.
These preliminary criteria help explain why certain leaders frequently appear in internet searches and general speculation.
Take Emmanuel Macron, for instance. As France’s youngest-ever president, his rapid rise to power and charismatic leadership style check several boxes. His role in European politics, particularly his vision for a 10-nation European military coalition, has caught the attention of prophecy watchers. His background in economics and digital affairs might seem relevant to future global economic control. Some even point to his name—Emmanuel, meaning “God with us”—as potentially significant, given that the Antichrist will ultimately demand worship as God. Yet while these parallels are interesting, some or all of these criteria could apply to numerous other world leaders as well.
Similar connections could be drawn to other figures on our initial list. Some point to Mark Zuckerberg’s influence over global communications and digital currency initiatives or Bill Gates’ involvement in global health policy and technological innovation. Others highlight Jared Kushner’s role in Middle East peace negotiations or King Charles III’s position as head of the Church of England.
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Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2025 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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