Washington midair collision kills 67, including students.
At least 28 bodies were recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River after a tragic midair collision involving a helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet. The helicopter reportedly flew into the jet’s path, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed all 67 lives onboard both aircraft. Rescue teams braved freezing conditions to retrieve victims, while investigators worked to determine the cause of the accident. Among the deceased were teenage figure skaters, a group of hunters, and students, leaving families and communities mourning this devastating loss.
Search and rescue teams are tirelessly working at the wreckage site in the Potomac River following a catastrophic midair collision between an airliner and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The tragic incident occurred on January 30, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia, claiming the lives of all 67 people on board both aircraft. Emergency responders are braving freezing temperatures and strong currents to recover bodies and debris from the icy waters. Among the victims are teenage figure skaters, a group of hunters, and students, adding to the heartbreak of the disaster. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, focusing on air traffic control communications and flight paths. Families of the victims have begun gathering at the site, seeking answers and mourning their unimaginable loss.
US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a strong warning to BRICS nations, threatening 100 per cent tariffs on their exports if they attempt to replace the US dollar as the dominant currency in international trade. His comments reflect an aggressive stance against de-dollarisation, a move that some emerging economies within BRICS have been advocating to reduce reliance on the US financial system.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his firm opposition to de-dollarisation, warning that BRICS countries must maintain the US dollar’s role in global trade or face serious economic consequences. His latest remarks emphasize his administration’s determination to prevent any shift away from the dollar’s dominance in international transactions.
The BRICS Push for De-Dollarisation
The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has been exploring alternatives to the US dollar for years.
With increasing geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions imposed by Western nations on Russia and other BRICS members, these countries have sought to establish financial mechanisms that reduce their dependence on the US-dominated global financial system. China and Russia, in particular, have accelerated efforts to conduct trade using the yuan and ruble, while Brazil and India have shown interest in similar alternatives.
The idea of a common BRICS currency, though still in its early stages, has been floated as a potential long-term solution to reduce reliance on the dollar. The concept involves creating a digital or physical currency backed by a basket of member nations’ reserves and resources, potentially challenging the dollar’s role as the world’s primary reserve currency.
Potential Economic Consequences
Trump’s threats of 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS exports could have significant economic repercussions for both the US and the targeted nations. While the tariffs are intended to pressure BRICS countries into maintaining the dollar’s dominance, they could also lead to increased costs for American consumers and businesses. Many US industries rely heavily on imported raw materials, including metals, electronics, and agricultural products, which could see price hikes if tariffs are imposed.
Economists have warned that such measures could exacerbate inflation, disrupt supply chains, and provoke retaliatory actions from BRICS countries. If nations like China and India were to impose counter-tariffs on American goods, it could escalate into a trade war that negatively impacts global economic stability.
Furthermore, a forced reliance on the US dollar may not be sustainable in the long run. Some analysts argue that attempting to maintain the dollar’s supremacy through coercive measures could backfire, pushing BRICS nations to accelerate their de-dollarisation efforts even further.
Global Reactions to Trump’s Warning
Trump’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions worldwide. Some political and economic analysts view his aggressive stance as a necessary step to protect American economic interests, while others see it as an overreach that could alienate key trading partners.
BRICS leaders have yet to issue official responses to Trump’s warning, but previous statements from key officials suggest that they remain committed to diversifying their financial systems. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has emphasized the need for a multipolar world where no single currency dictates global trade, while Chinese officials have echoed similar sentiments, calling for increased use of the yuan in international transactions.
In Brazil, the government has explored trade agreements with China that bypass the dollar, allowing Brazilian exports to be settled in yuan. India, while historically maintaining strong economic ties with the US, has also engaged in trade deals with Russia that use the rupee-ruble mechanism.
Meanwhile, some European policymakers have expressed concerns about Trump’s threats, fearing that a shift away from the dollar could trigger broader economic instability. The European Union has previously sought to strengthen the euro’s role in global trade to reduce dependence on the US currency, but efforts have been slow and fragmented.
Implications for the Future
The battle over currency dominance is likely to intensify in the coming years. As BRICS nations continue their push for financial independence from the dollar, the US government may resort to more aggressive tactics to maintain its economic influence. Trump’s tariff threats signal a willingness to use trade policy as a tool to enforce dollar reliance, but such actions could come at a cost.
If BRICS nations successfully implement alternatives to the dollar, it could weaken America’s ability to impose financial sanctions and influence global markets. The US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency has long provided the US with economic leverage, but a successful de-dollarisation movement could diminish that power over time.
For now, the international community is closely watching how BRICS leaders respond to Trump’s warning. If they choose to push ahead with de-dollarisation despite the threat of tariffs, it could mark a significant shift in the global financial landscape.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s latest warning to BRICS nations underscores his administration’s determination to maintain the US dollar’s dominance in global trade. While his threats of 100 per cent tariffs are intended to deter de-dollarisation efforts, they also carry significant risks, including higher costs for American businesses and potential trade retaliation.
As BRICS countries continue their pursuit of financial independence, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether the US dollar remains the world’s primary currency or if an alternative financial system emerges. The global economic order is shifting, and Trump’s warning may be just one chapter in a much larger geopolitical and financial struggle that will define the future of international trade.
Victims of the Washington Midair Collision
The victims of the recent crash between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter included teen figure skaters returning from a national meet with their mothers and coaches. The tragedy has left families and communities mourning the devastating loss of their loved ones.