Trump Issues Warning To Mexico

President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to protect Texas farmers, accusing Mexico of violating a decades-old water treaty and withholding critical water supplies owed to the United States. Trump warned Monday that he is prepared to impose a new 5% tariff on Mexico if the country does not immediately release the water required under the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Water Treaty.

For decades, the treaty has required Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of Rio Grande water every five years to support farms and ranches across South Texas. But according to Trump, Mexico has fallen far behind—leaving American producers struggling during one of the most difficult agricultural periods in years.

Trump said on Truth Social that Mexico is disregarding the long-standing water agreement, causing real damage to Texas farmers, ranchers, and the livestock they depend on.

Trump said Mexico now owes the United States roughly 800,000 acre-feet of water, a staggering shortfall that directly affects farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Trump: Mexico Must Release Water Immediately or Face Penalties

Trump demanded that Mexico release at least 200,000 acre-feet before December 31, with additional deliveries to follow soon after. He emphasized that Washington has been patient—but U.S. citizens should not pay the price for another nation’s noncompliance.

“It is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers,” Trump wrote, adding that he has already authorized documentation to impose a 5% tariff if Mexico continues to delay.

The President stressed that every day Mexico withholds treaty water, American farmers lose crops, livestock, and revenue.

Texas Leaders Say Mexico’s Violations Are Crippling U.S. Agriculture

Gov. Greg Abbott strongly backed Trump’s position, warning that Mexico’s repeated failures have caused massive economic losses for Texas agriculture.

Abbott said Mexico has withheld nearly two years’ worth of its water obligations, leaving the Rio Grande Valley—one of America’s most productive farming regions—at a breaking point.

Abbott warned the crisis has already caused “severe negative impacts” on Texas agriculture and violates core principles of international agreements.

Earlier this year, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins negotiated a temporary boost in Mexico’s water deliveries, but the most recent five-year cycle still ended with less than half of the treaty’s required water delivered.

What the Treaty Requires — and What Mexico Has Failed to Deliver

Under the 1944 treaty:

• The U.S. must send Mexico 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water every year.
• Mexico must deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of Rio Grande water to the U.S. every five years.

The U.S. has met its obligations every year. Mexico has not.

The current water deficit is so large that Texas farmers warn of long-term damage to the region’s agricultural productivity if nothing changes.

Mexico Claims It Will Comply — But Texas Isn’t Seeing Results Yet

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on October 30 that Mexico intends to comply with the treaty and will release water “without putting human consumption and agriculture at risk.”

Texas officials say they’ve heard these promises before — but delivery numbers continue to fall far short.

Bottom Line: Trump Puts Mexico on Notice to Protect American Farmers

With water shortages threatening crops, livestock, and the economic backbone of South Texas, President Trump is making it clear: Mexico must honor the treaty or face real consequences.

A 5% tariff is now on the table, and the administration says more actions could follow if Mexico continues to delay.