Trump BRICS policies are actually being criticized by former Goldman Sachs chairman Jim O’Neill right now, and he argues that Donald Trump’s trade strategies are inadvertently strengthening the BRICS bloc he claims to oppose. O’Neill’s analysis reveals that Trump BRICS tariffs are pushing away democratic allies while maintaining softer positions on China and Russia.
Also Read: BRICS Meaning in Globalization: From Trade Bloc to Power Player
Trump’s Trade Strategies Shape BRICS News, Tariffs, And Global Markets
O’Neill highlights a puzzling pattern that’s been emerging in Trump’s treatment of BRICS members. The former president has actually been gentle with China and Russia, while imposing harsh Trump BRICS tariffs on democratic members like Brazil and India.
O’Neill was clear about the fact that:
“His rhetoric notwithstanding, US President Donald Trump is going easy on China and Russia, while pushing away Brazil, India, South Africa, and America’s fellow G7 members.”
Brazil now faces 50% tariffs following Trump’s reaction to Jair Bolsonaro’s prosecution, and India received identical penalties despite expectations of favorable treatment. At the time of writing, these moves are being questioned by trade analysts.
Contradictory Approach Creates Market Turbulence
The economic consequences of these policies have been immediate, along with some unexpected market reactions. Following Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, China retaliated and suspended rare earth exports, which caused US markets to plummet and government debt yields to spike.
O’Neill warned about the strategic implications:
“judging by his actions, one could be forgiven for thinking that he wants to help it pursue its global ambitions.”
Right now, Trump is also targeting smaller economies like Switzerland, even though they hardly matter for the overall US trade balance that Trump claims to care about.
Strategic Risks and Global Realignment
Current BRICS Trump news suggests these policies are actually backfiring on American interests. O’Neill argues that Trump’s approach gives the BRICS+ bloc stronger reasons to develop alternatives to Western-dominated systems, and this could reshape global power dynamics.
The most concerning development involves potential China-India cooperation. Modi’s recent visit to China after seven years coincided with Trump’s harsh treatment of India, potentially pushing the world’s most populous country toward Chinese partnerships.
O’Neill noted:
“If only China and India could find a way to look past their differences and develop stronger ties, that would be a game-changer for the BRICS+, not to mention for Asian and even global trade.”
The Trump Goldman Sachs criticism extends to Trump’s broader diplomatic strategy. O’Neill sees the 2026 G20 hosting opportunity as crucial for demonstrating leadership, but questions Trump’s capability given current policies that alienate allies while accommodating adversaries.
Future Implications for American Influence
O’Neill concluded:
“he is giving the BRICS+ and others an even stronger reason to develop alternatives to the Western-led international order.”
Also Read: Goldman Sachs Cuts India GDP Forecast as Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs
This analysis suggests that Trump’s trade war may actually be accelerating the very global realignment he seeks to prevent, with long-term implications for American economic influence that people are feeling right now.