Trump threatens tariffs over Mexico's water theft from Texas

President Donald Trump isn’t mincing words when it comes to defending America’s farmers particularly those in South Texas who are being squeezed dry by Mexico’s refusal to honor a decades-old treaty. In a strong statement posted Thursday on Truth Social, Trump threatened tariffs and even sanctions if Mexico continues to shortchange Texas of its rightful water under the 1944 Water Treaty.

According to Trump, Mexico currently owes Texas a staggering 1.3 million acre-feet of water. The country is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet over a five-year cycle but has fallen behind crippling agricultural production in the Rio Grande Valley.

“This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas farmers very badly,” Trump said. “Last year, the only sugar mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas farmers.”

Here’s what’s happening:

• The 1944 Water Treaty obligates Mexico to deliver water to the U.S., which is crucial for irrigation in the drought-stricken Rio Grande Valley.

• The Texas citrus industry, worth over $500 million, is now in jeopardy, as farmers face the worst water shortages in three decades.

• Mexico’s noncompliance has forced the U.S. to take an unprecedented step: denying their request to divert water from the Colorado River to Tijuana.

The situation is especially dire given the fact that Texas ranks as the third-largest citrus-producing state in the U.S. behind California and Florida. Yet, while farmers scramble to keep their crops alive, Joe Biden and his administration remain silent and inactive.

Trump made it clear that the days of American weakness are over.

“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!”

Senator Ted Cruz, a vocal supporter of holding Mexico accountable, has been leading the charge in Congress. Just this week, Cruz highlighted what he called a “man-made crisis,” and applauded the U.S. denial of Mexico’s special water delivery request.

“Texas farmers are in crisis because of Mexico's noncompliance,” Cruz wrote. “I will work with the Trump administration to pressure Mexico into complying.”

The Biden administration, true to form, has failed to act while American farmers suffer and foreign nations breach agreements. It’s yet another reminder of what’s at stake in 2024: a choice between American strength and global appeasement.

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