President Donald Trump issued a clear message Monday: Mexico must honor the 1944 Water Treaty and release 200,000 acre-feet before December 31, or a 5% tariff will go into effect. No drama, no confusion — just accountability, the kind many folks in D.C. conveniently avoid.
Through a Truth Social post, Trump explained that Mexico failed to deliver more than 800,000 acre-feet over the past five years, leaving Texas farmers with severe irrigation shortages. Our farmers grow food, support local jobs, and keep America strong — yet Mexico keeps delaying water delivery like it’s optional homework.
Trump stated that American farmers “deserve this much needed water,” noting that Mexico has offered no meaningful response so far. A familiar pattern, unfortunately.
Texas agriculture groups already warned of major risk to sugar and citrus harvests last year, as both governments struggled to address treaty obligations during one of the worst drought periods in nearly three decades.
Back in April, Trump reached an agreement with Mexican officials to secure extra water from the Rio Grande, only weeks after calling out Mexico for holding back water promised under the treaty. Funny how fast cooperation appears once Trump applies pressure.
Under that accord, Mexico agreed to send water from international reservoirs and boost flows from six Rio Grande tributaries through the remainder of the current five-year cycle. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the progress and welcomed ongoing cooperation, as long as Mexico follows through.
The treaty outlines a straightforward exchange:
• Mexico delivers 1.75 million acre-feet to the U.S. every five years.
• The U.S. delivers 1.5 million acre-feet to Mexico from the Colorado River.
Fair deal — as long as both sides follow it.
Trump now emphasizes that any further delay harms American farmers, and a tariff will follow if Mexico fails to act. Leadership means defending our communities, and once again Trump steps up to protect American agriculture.
A strong stance, a clear message, and a positive path forward — exactly what our country needs.
