Trump Claims US Tariffs Forced Nations to Abandon BRICS Alliance in Defense of Dollar Dominance

Trump has consistently utilized tariffs as a means to gain foreign policy leverage.

Washington:

US President Donald Trump has defended his aggressive tariff strategy against BRICS nations, asserting that the bloc represented "an attack on the dollar." During remarks at the White House, the American leader claimed member countries were exiting the bloc after he threatened to impose significant tariffs on them for attempting to challenge the dominance of American currency.

"I informed any country wanting to join BRICS that it's acceptable, but we would implement tariffs on their nation. Everyone withdrew. They're all abandoning BRICS," Trump stated during his meeting with Argentine Prime Minister Javier Milei at the White House.

"I strongly support the dollar, and those dealing in dollars have an advantage over those who don't... BRICS was attempting to undermine the dollar, and I warned them that if they wanted to play that game, I would impose tariffs on all their products entering the US. As I mentioned, they responded by withdrawing from BRICS... The topic isn't even discussed anymore," he elaborated.

Trump's remarks occurred amid intensifying global discussions regarding the BRICS group's apparent push toward alternative trading mechanisms designed to reduce dependence on the dollar. Such initiatives, if implemented, would directly challenge America's financial hegemony.

The BRICS alliance, initially consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently welcomed additional members. Viewed as a significant coalition representing developing economies, the group has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates in recent years.

Trump, who has consistently employed tariffs as instruments of diplomatic leverage, previously threatened a 10 percent additional tax on any nation considering BRICS membership.

Not surprisingly, BRICS members, including India, Brazil, China and Russia, are among the countries most severely impacted by Trump's tariff policies.

India's Position On BRICS Currency

India has meanwhile clarified that it harbors no intention to diminish the dollar's role and has adopted a conciliatory position on the matter. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has explicitly stated that India has no objection to the dollar.

"Regarding the dollar's role, we maintain a realistic perspective. We have no issue with the dollar... We have no interest in undermining the dollar," he remarked in a March statement following heightened trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington.