U. S. President Donald Trump claimed that several BRICS nations have started withdrawing from the association, allegedly fearing American tariffs. The statement came during his meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei.

Trump told his counterpart that Washington warned all countries seeking to join BRICS that such a decision would lead to U.S. trade duties. He asserted that, following this warning, «everyone backed off» and supposedly decided to leave the bloc.

The American leader, however, did not specify which nations he was referring to. In fact, no state has ever withdrawn from BRICS since its formation.

Trump described the creation of BRICS as «an attack on the dollar» and once again threatened to impose tariffs on countries considering joining the group.

Meanwhile, during an online summit in September, BRICS leaders emphasized that trade is increasingly being used as a tool of pressure and interference in the internal affairs of other nations. They warned that such practices undermine global development and threaten international stability.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Russia, China, India, and Brazil. South Africa joined in 2011. Since early 2024, the bloc has expanded to include several new members. As of January 1, 2025, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan have become official partners. Indonesia also joined the organization this year, with Brazil taking over the rotating presidency.