Trump Closely Watching BRICS, Doesn't Think Members Are Growing Stronger: White House

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Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 00:06 IST

Donald Trump had threatened additional 10% tariffs on any country aligning with "anti-American policies" of BRICS.

Donald Trump threatens BRICS nations (Reuters Image)

President Donald Trump “closely monitored" the BRICS Summit that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but he does not perceive the member countries as “growing stronger" and only sees them as “trying to undermine the US interests", the White House said on Monday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to Trump’s threat social media post on Truth Social regarding “anti-American policies" of BRICS, and said that it is the President’s responsibility to put the interest of the US first and he is doing the same.

Responding to a question during the daily press briefing, Leavitt said that undermining the interests of the US is “not okay" with the President, irrespective of the strength of any country.

“He’s closely monitoring, which is why he put out a statement. He does not perceive these countries as growing stronger, he just perceives them as trying to undermine the US interests. That’s not okay with him, no matter how strong or weak a country may be," Leavitt said, in response to a query whether Trump believes BRICS is getting stronger.

Her response came after Trump announced that any country aligning with the BRICS would be charged with an additional 10% tariffs. Notably, India, China, and Russia are a part of the BRICS.

“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff," Trump had posted on Truth Social.

When asked what “anti-American policies" the President was referring to, the White House said, “The President feels BRICS is seeking to undermine the interests of the United States. It’s his utmost responsibility to put the interest of the US first. So he is gonna ensure that America is treated fairly on the world stage, and he will take any action necessary to prevent countries from taking advantage of the United States and our people."

Trump’s sharp reaction came after leaders in the 11-member BRICS grouping criticised the US President’s tariff policies, and said that they were damaging the global economy and disrupting trade.

The BRICS declaration also described Trump’s tariffs as “illegal and arbitrary", stating that they could further reduce global trade.

Ashesh Mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...Read More

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News world Trump Closely Watching BRICS, Doesn't Think Members Are Growing Stronger: White House

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