Trump Threatens Mexico with More Tariffs Over Water Dispute

President Trump late Thursday threatened to impose additional tariffs and potential sanctions against Mexico over a long-running water dispute related to a 1944 treaty.

“Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly.”

“I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties, and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers,” the president continued. “Just last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty.”

He added, “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!”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded in a social media post by acknowledging Mexico had not met its water commitments under the treaty, citing issues caused by drought. She added that Mexican officials had sent a proposal to the U.S. in hopes of finding a solution that would work for both countries.

“I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached,” Sheinbaum wrote.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who has been outspoken about the issue, said on an episode of the “Verdict” podcast recorded late Tuesday that he had called Trump last week to urge the president to lean in on pressuring Mexico.

“I can tell you, Mexico is in the process now of negotiating with the State Department to provide for the water. We’re going to get the water. And that’s a great victory in America,” Cruz said.

The 1944 treaty stipulates that Mexico send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande every five years, while the U.S. sends 1.5 million acre-feet of water every year to Mexico from the Colorado River.

Any tariffs or sanctions would be on top of a 25 percent tariff Trump has already imposed on Mexico over his argument that it is not doing enough to halt the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Many goods covered under a 2020 trade agreement are exempted.

Mexico is one of the United States’s top trading partners in terms of both exports and imports.