President Trump issued a sharp warning to Mexico late Thursday, threatening new tariffs and even possible sanctions over what he described as a serious breach of a decades-old international water agreement. At the center of the dispute is the 1944 Water Treaty, under which Mexico is obligated to deliver a certain amount of water to the United States annually a commitment the president says is being ignored.
“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 in a statement posted to Truth Social. “This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly.”
Trump vowed swift and increasing retaliation if Mexico fails to comply. “I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties, and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers,” he said. He went on to point out that he had recently halted water shipments to Tijuana, using that move as a bargaining chip in the ongoing disagreement.
“My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is standing up for Texas Farmers,” Trump added. “We will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded in a more conciliatory tone, acknowledging the shortfall in water deliveries. She explained that widespread drought conditions across parts of Mexico had made it difficult for her government to meet the treaty’s obligations. She also mentioned that Mexican officials had submitted a proposal to the U.S. in hopes of resolving the issue diplomatically. “I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached,” Sheinbaum wrote in a social media post.
The situation has gained traction in Texas, where farmers especially those in the Rio Grande Valley depend heavily on irrigation water supplied under the treaty. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has frequently raised alarms about Mexico’s noncompliance, revealed during a recent episode of his “Verdict” podcast that he personally contacted Trump last week, urging him to take a tougher stance.
The water dispute is now escalating into an international flashpoint, potentially adding another layer of tension to U.S.-Mexico relations. It also comes at a time when Trump is already using tariffs as a political and economic tool in various other disputes, raising concerns that yet another trade conflict could be on the horizon one that could disrupt agricultural and economic cooperation between the two nations.
With the president threatening punitive measures and no resolution yet in sight, the pressure is mounting on both sides to find a solution before this long-standing water treaty turns into a full-scale trade and diplomatic standoff.