Yes, I have thought about that. Not the same way as you outline though. I have thought that they might try to bring on the “end times” (at least the appearance of) in order to put their own plot into being.
If it’s not God’s time line, they will fail, as have the other dreams of world domination from Nimrod to now. Whatever happens, I hope y’all have 7 years of food stashed and hidden, just in case there’s no rapture.
Personally, I think the rapture is either not pre-tribulation or if it is it takes very few. Tribulation separates wheat from chaff. Everybody is a Christian until they feel chest pains and an EMT is there to say “we’ll take care of you right away as soon as we get you in the system here”...microdot applicator in hand.
The mark must be taken voluntarily but a variety of circumstances can “arise” to apply some incentive.
Resisting it under increasing duress, aiding fellow Christians, trying to get the unsaved on board, that’s what will define those truly in and seeking the grace of God.
I also think that sincere efforts to swing the pendulum back toward the light may defer judgement. As with the efforts here, if Trump is truly one of God’s warriors, and the Awakening results in a great purging of corruption and evil and the spirit of liberty and individualism prevails here then it may be centuries before humanity digs itself a deep enough hole to once again face a reckoning.
From my observations of past events, it’s always seemed to me that seekers of dates, proclaimers of imminent return, etc... have done more damage to the faithful than good. We should be prepared for tribulation, unexpected death, or a happy journey to a peaceful end as a believer.