President Donald Trump threatened “escalating consequences” including tariffs and sanctions on Mexico if it doesn’t deliver water to the U.S. as required by a 1944 water treaty between the two countries.
“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!” Trump posted Thursday on Truth Social.
Texas lawmakers and farmers have been sounding alarms about Mexico’s delays in delivering water to the U.S. along the Rio Grande for years. The missing water has led to the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas and has threatened the state’s citrus industry as well as other top regional commodities like cotton and vegetables.
Under the 81-year-old treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years. The current five-year window closes in October, but Mexico has delivered less than 30 percent of the requirement. Mexico argues that climate change-driven drought has hindered its ability to send the requisite water.
