U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that his recent decision to impose sweeping tariffs was a direct response to what he described as an economic attack on the U.S. dollar by the BRICS alliance, further claiming that member nations are now preparing to exit the bloc.
In an interview reflecting on his September tariff proclamation, Trump asserted that the BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—had been actively working to undermine the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade. “BRICS was formed as an attack on the dollar. They wanted their own currency, their own system. I wasn’t going to let that happen,” Trump stated.
While Trump did not provide specific evidence, he insisted that his administration’s tough trade stance has already triggered internal discord within the coalition. “They’re dropping out now. They see it’s not working, and they know they can’t win a trade war with the United States,” he claimed, though he did not name which countries were considering withdrawal.
Financial and political analysts have responded with skepticism, noting that no BRICS member has publicly announced plans to leave. “There is no credible signal that any core BRICS country is exiting the group,” said a geopolitical strategist. “However, Trump’s tariffs and the rhetoric around them have certainly intensified global economic tensions.”
The BRICS bloc has indeed been exploring mechanisms to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, including promoting the use of local currencies in cross-border trade. These efforts have gained momentum in recent years, though a common BRICS currency remains a distant prospect.
Trump’s latest tariffs, which target a wide range of imports, have sparked concerns over global trade stability and potential retaliatory measures. By explicitly linking the policy to the BRICS group, Trump has framed his trade strategy not only as an economic safeguard but also as a direct confrontation with a growing geopolitical rival.
The White House has not yet issued an official statement regarding Trump’s comments. Markets and international observers are closely monitoring the situation for any formal responses from BRICS capitals or signs of shifting allegiances within the coalition.
