US President Donald Trump has warned of an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with BRICS, claiming the group is trying to undermine American interests, according to his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.

Speaking on Monday, Leavitt said Trump is “closely monitoring” the actions of BRICS nations. “He feels BRICS is generally seeking to undermine US interests,” she added, referencing Trump’s statement on Truth Social where he wrote, “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an additional 10% tariff.”

The statement followed a joint BRICS declaration expressing “serious concerns” about unilateral tariffs that distort trade and violate WTO rules—comments seen as indirectly targeting the US and its allies. The group also criticized Western protectionism disguised as environmental regulation.

Trump’s tariff threat comes amid ongoing trade tensions. On Monday, letters were sent to South Africa and Malaysia, notifying them of upcoming tariffs—30% for South Africa and 25% for Malaysia, effective August 1 unless new trade agreements are reached.

Leavitt denied the move was a response to BRICS gaining strength, saying Trump sees the group’s policies—not its size—as problematic. “He doesn’t care how strong or weak a country is. If they undermine US interests, there will be consequences,” she said.

India, a key BRICS member, was not among the nations to receive tariff letters as of Monday afternoon. Notably, India has publicly opposed a BRICS proposal to create a common currency to replace the dollar in global trade.

Negotiations with multiple countries are ongoing, and Trump’s team has extended the decision deadline to August 1, citing US interests.