In an unfiltered tirade on Truth Social late Thursday, former President Donald Trump lashed out at ten countries, warning of steep tariffs if they dare to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar. His fury appeared to be aimed at the BRICS bloc—an alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
“The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is OVER,” Trump posted. “We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar, or they will face 100% Tariffs.”
The outburst echoed his November threat, when he issued nearly identical warnings about the group’s efforts to establish alternative trade systems. However, economic analysts note that BRICS has long explored trading in local currencies as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on the dollar—a move seen as a direct challenge to U.S. financial supremacy.
Trump’s threats didn’t stop at BRICS. Starting this weekend, Mexico and Canada—two of America’s closest trading partners—will face 25% tariffs. The move has drawn sharp criticism from both foreign and domestic leaders.
CONFUSION OVER BRICS
Trump’s understanding of BRICS nations has come under scrutiny before. In an Oval Office exchange on January 20, a reporter pressed him on defense spending when he suddenly pivoted.
“Spain is very low. Are they a BRICS nation?” Trump asked.
“What?” the reporter responded, confused.
“They’re a BRICS nation, Spain. You know what a BRICS nation is? You’ll figure it out.”
For the record, Spain is not, and never has been, a BRICS member.
GLOBAL REACTION: BACKLASH FROM MOSCOW
The Kremlin was quick to dismiss Trump’s latest threats. “Attempts to coerce sovereign nations through economic force will ultimately weaken U.S. standing and accelerate the search for alternatives to the dollar,” a Russian government spokesperson told Reuters.
Economists agree. “Trump’s rhetoric will likely embolden BRICS to expedite their de-dollarization efforts,” said Dr. Lina Patel, a global finance expert at Georgetown University. “Punitive tariffs may serve as a short-term strongman tactic, but in the long run, they push allies and adversaries alike toward financial independence from the U.S.”
A NATION DISTRACTED BY TRAGEDY
Even as Trump engaged in social media diplomacy, the country remained gripped by one of its worst aviation disasters in decades. Rescue teams were still recovering bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac River after Wednesday’s devastating midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter. The crash claimed 67 lives and reignited concerns over air traffic safety.
Yet, Trump remained fixated on BRICS.
“They can go find another sucker Nation,” he declared online. “There is no chance that BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, or anywhere else, and any Country that tries should say hello to Tariffs, and goodbye to America!”
With global markets on edge and trade partners furious, the world is left to wonder—will Trump’s threats translate into real action, or is this just another headline-grabbing tantrum?
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