Peter Navarro, senior trade adviser to former US President Donald Trump, launched a scathing attack on BRICS nations, branding them “vampires” draining American wealth through unfair trade practices.
In an interview with Real America’s Voice, which he later shared on X, Navarro argued that the BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new members—was unsustainable, claiming the nations rely heavily on US markets. “None of these countries can survive if they don’t sell to the United States… their exports are like vampires sucking our blood dry,” he said.
Navarro also cast doubt on the bloc’s cohesion, pointing to historic rivalries. He highlighted tensions between Russia and China over Siberia, India’s longstanding border disputes with China, and Brazil’s economic struggles under President Lula’s socialist policies. “I don’t see how BRICS stays together since historically they all hate each other and kill each other,” he remarked.
His comments came shortly after Brazil hosted a BRICS virtual summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India, stressing that the group must stabilize the global economy, protect the Global South from ongoing conflicts, and push for reforms in multilateral institutions.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underscored BRICS’ commitment to a more “just, balanced, and inclusive international order.” He reaffirmed that members remain dedicated to strengthening multilateralism and working collectively on global challenges.
Currently, BRICS is made up of eleven nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—acting as a major platform for political, diplomatic, and economic coordination among Global South countries.
