BRICS Summit Concludes with Tensions as Trump Issues Threatening Ultimatum
Rio de Janeiro, July 7, 2025 – The XVII Summit of BRICS Leaders concluded in a dramatic fashion on Monday, sparked by a last-minute threat from US President Donald Trump to the emerging group. The event held in Rio de Janeiro ensued with strong reactions from various leaders as they underscored their commitment to autonomy and multilateralism.
Lula’s Defiant Response to Trump’s Threats
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded sharply to Trump’s ultimatum, stating, “It is not correct that a country the size of the United States is threatening the world through the Internet. The world changed. We don’t want an emperor. We are sovereign countries.” Lula’s statement emphasized the independence of the BRICS nations and their refusal to be dictated to by external powers.
Consensual Statement Prior to Trump’s Threat
The summit initially progressed smoothly on Sunday, culminating in a 126-point consensual statement addressing critical global issues such as Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and tariffs. The statement also highlighted reforms in multilateral institutions, climate, and health of particular interest for Brazil, which is presiding over the forum this year. However, the BRICS nations refrained from directly addressing the US, despite Trump’s looming presence.
Trump’s Tariff Threat and BRICS Counterreactions
On Monday night, Trump took to social media to issue a stern warning, stating, “Any country that aligns with the anti-American policies of the BRICS must pay an additional 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.” This led to swift responses from Chinese and Russian representatives, criticizing the use of tariffs as a tool of coercion and emphasizing the BRICS’ role as a positive force in the international community.
In Rio, the presidents of South Africa and Brazil, Cyril Ramaphosa and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, condemned Trump’s threats, stating that there should never be revenge or reprisals against countries seeking cooperation for the advancement of humanity. Lula further defined Trump’s position as “very irresponsible and wrong,” asserting that the threats did not disrupt the harmony of the summit.
Lula Challenges the Hegemony of the Dollar
Brazilian President Lula also addressed the contentious issue of the dollar’s dominance, predicting that the dollar will eventually cease to be the primary international reference currency. He noted that this transition is inherently complex and should be handled with care by central banks, but insisted that it is an inevitable process. “We have the responsibility of doing this very carefully,” he said. “Our central banks have to discuss that, but it is something that has no going back and will occur gradually until it is consolidated.”
Evergreen Context: The Future of BRICS and Global Economics
The BRICS alliance, comprising eleven countries in the global south and led by China and Russia, has always been at the forefront of advocating for the voices of emerging economies. The group has been instrumental in pushing for reforms in multilateral institutions and challenging the dominance of traditional Western powers. Experts predict that as the global economic landscape continues to evolve, BRICS nations will play an increasingly significant role in shaping international policy.
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