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President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and possibly sanctions on Mexico over its alleged failure to fulfill water delivery obligations under the 1944 US-Mexico Water Treaty.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a long-standing agreement designed to manage and share water resources between the two countries along the Rio Grande and Colorado River. Under the treaty, Mexico is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States from the Rio Grande over a five-year cycle, while the US must provide Mexico with 1.5 million acre-feet annually from the Colorado River. The system relies on a coordinated network of dams and reservoirs to ensure fair distribution, with built-in flexibility for periods of drought. However, persistent drought conditions in northern Mexico and southern Texas have severely strained water availability, leading to shortfalls in Mexico’s deliveries and rising tensions over compliance. These water issues are especially critical in South Texas, where agriculture depends heavily on Rio Grande irrigation, making any disruption potentially devastating to farmers and the regional economy.
What’s going on now: In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump accused Mexico of violating the 1944 Water Treaty by failing to deliver the water owed to Texas, warning of escalating consequences if the issue is not resolved. “Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation,” Trump wrote. He added, “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.”
Trump blamed the Biden administration, adding, “Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers. THAT ENDS NOW!” He also claimed that his Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is “standing up for Texas Farmers,” and promised to “keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!”
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a key ally of Trump on this issue, echoed the urgency and placed further pressure on both the Trump administration and Mexican officials. On his podcast Verdict, Cruz said, “Texas farmers are in crisis because of Mexico’s noncompliance,” and described the situation as a “man-made crisis.”
Mexico responds: In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the country’s shortfall, citing prolonged drought conditions as the primary cause. She stated during a press conference that “Mexico has fallen behind on its obligations” under the treaty, but stressed that the country is actively seeking solutions. “For Texas farmers who are requesting water, there will be an immediate delivery of several million cubic meters, based on what’s available in the Rio Grande,” she said.
