President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Mexico, accusing the country of violating the 1944 Water Treaty by failing to deliver agreed-upon water to Texas farmers. The dispute centers on Mexico’s alleged shortfall in water deliveries from the Rio Grande, which Trump claims is harming American agriculture.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the treaty and accused the country of “stealing” water from U.S. farmers. He warned that if Mexico does not comply with the treaty, the U.S. will escalate consequences, including tariffs and possibly sanctions.
The social post read:
“Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas Farmers. Ted Cruz has been leading the fight to get South Texas the water it is owed, but Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers.
“THAT ENDS NOW! I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties, and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers. Just last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty. My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is standing up for Texas Farmers, and we will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!”
The 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years. According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, Mexico has delivered less than 30% of the required amount ahead of the treaty cycle’s October deadline.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by citing severe drought conditions and asserted that Mexico is complying with the treaty to the extent water is available. She proposed short-term measures to address the deficit, but the U.S. has denied Mexico’s request for additional water deliveries.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Trump supporter, backed the tariffs, arguing they aim for fairer long-term trade agreements safeguarding American farmers. However, some Texas farmers express concern over the potential economic impact of a trade war, recalling significant financial harm during previous tariff disputes.
The water dispute adds to existing tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over trade and immigration policies, highlighting the complexities of international agreements and their impact on domestic agriculture.
