
Faith Nyasuguta
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned BRICS nations against shifting away from the U.S. dollar, threatening 100% tariffs if they pursue an alternative currency.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is over.” He emphasized that BRICS nations must commit to neither creating a new currency nor supporting any alternative to the dollar. Failure to comply, he warned, would lead to severe trade penalties.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, the UAE, and Indonesia. The bloc aims to challenge Western economic dominance, particularly the G7, by fostering financial independence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been vocal about reducing reliance on the dollar, advocating for a separate BRICS payment system. This move, driven by Moscow’s efforts to counter Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, aligns with the bloc’s broader push for financial sovereignty.
The U.S. dollar remains the world’s dominant currency in global trade, and Washington has historically resisted threats to its status. Trump, known for his aggressive trade policies, previously imposed tariffs on multiple countries during his 2017-2021 presidency.

His latest warning signals potential economic tensions between the U.S. and BRICS, as the bloc continues exploring alternatives to Western financial systems.
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