Trump threatens tariffs, sanctions on Mexico for robbing Texas farmers of water
President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Mexico, threatening to impose tariffs and sanctions if the country continues to deprive South Texas farmers of Rio Grande water promised to them under a long-standing treaty. In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water as per the 1944 Water Treaty, accusing Mexico of failing to uphold its end of the agreement.
“This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly,” the president wrote. “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!”
Trump further vowed to ensure that Mexico complies with the treaty and does not harm farmers in Texas. He emphasized his administration’s efforts to halt water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico fulfills its obligations under the treaty. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is also actively advocating for Texas farmers, with Trump indicating that consequences such as tariffs and sanctions will be escalated until Mexico honors the treaty.
The ongoing dispute over the 1944 water treaty has raised concerns among Texas farm groups, particularly with regards to the upcoming citrus and sugar season. Last year’s drought-driven water shortages exacerbated tensions between Mexican and U.S. officials, leading to one of the most severe water crises in nearly three decades.
Under the treaty’s provisions, Mexico is obligated to supply 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the U.S. over a five-year period. The Texas citrus industry, valued at half a billion dollars, heavily relies on water from Mexico, especially amid worsening drought conditions in the region.
In response to Mexico’s persistent failure to meet its water delivery commitments, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs recently denied a request from Mexico to deliver water to Tijuana. This decision underscores the detrimental impact of Mexico’s non-compliance on American agriculture, particularly on farmers in the Rio Grande valley.
Senator Ted Cruz has been vocal about the water crisis facing South Texas, characterizing it as a “man-made crisis.” He has been actively advocating for Mexico to adhere to the treaty and ensure water delivery to farmers in the region. Cruz welcomed the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs’ decision, emphasizing the need to pressure Mexico into fulfilling its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
As the situation unfolds, the Trump administration is working to address the water crisis in Texas and hold Mexico accountable for its actions. The collaboration between U.S. and Mexican officials is crucial in resolving the dispute and safeguarding the interests of farmers in South Texas.
*Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.*
