BRICS leaders firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that the bloc holds anti-American views. His warning of new tariffs sparked strong responses from several member nations at the end of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
Lula Slams Trump’s ‘Emperor’ Mindset
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized Trump for threatening new trade penalties. Speaking at the summit, he said: “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
He made the comment just one day after Trump warned that BRICS nations could face fresh tariffs if they continued policies that threatened the US dollar’s global role.
Trump Warns of Retaliation
On Sunday night, Trump announced that he would impose “retaliatory tariffs” if BRICS countries moved against US interests. He issued this threat as the US neared deadlines for several trade deals set to conclude by July 9.
In February, Trump had already warned BRICS about possible 100% tariffs for trying to weaken the dollar in global trade.
Lula Calls for Dollar Alternatives
Lula reaffirmed his earlier position on reducing global reliance on the US dollar. He told reporters: “The world needs to find a way for our trade relations not to depend on the dollar.”
He added that this shift should happen gradually and responsibly. “Of course, we have to do this carefully and responsibly. Our central banks need to talk with central banks in other countries.”
BRICS Focuses on Economic Reform
Lula clarified that BRICS is not working against any country. Instead, the bloc seeks to reform how the global economy operates., “I think that’s why BRICS makes some people uncomfortable.”
BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer additions—have long aimed to build alternative economic systems that reflect the needs of emerging economies.
Other BRICS Members Respond Calmly
Other BRICS leaders responded in a more diplomatic tone. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the bloc does not compete with global powers. Instead, he hoped for cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed peaceful intentions. “Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressure,” she said. “BRICS supports win-win cooperation and does not target any country.”
BRICS leaders stood united against Trump’s threats. While Lula responded with strong words, other leaders chose a more measured approach. Together, they defended the group’s efforts to reshape global trade on fairer terms.