Mexico is accused by President Donald J. Trump of violating the U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty from 1944, which mandates that Mexico deliver water to Texas farmers through the Rio Grande River system.
According to a message posted on Truth Social, Mr. Trump stated that Mexico owes America “over 800,000 acre-feet” of water due to treaty breaches over recent years and threatens additional tariffs if immediate compliance isn’t achieved. He specifically demanded release of at least 200,000 acre-feet by December 31st.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed these concerns in an official statement released last month: “Mexico must be held accountable for their continued failures regarding our long-standing water agreement,” said Governor Abbott. “The neglect from Mexico has caused unnecessary hardship to Texas farmers and significantly harmed the agricultural viability of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Mr. Trump also emphasized that this issue is not merely about tariffs, but impacts U.S. agriculture critically: “Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty… This violation severely affects our beautiful Texas crops and livestock.” The non-compliance was highlighted with particular urgency by Mr. Trump in a recent post on Truth Social.
The treaty requires Mexico to supply 1.75 million acre-feet every five years, but compliance has been insufficient recently. Secretary of Agriculture’s office confirmed that the most recent cycle saw less than half this amount delivered. The required annual flow from the Colorado River system amounts to about 1.5 million acre-feet.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured on October 30th that Mexico would meet its obligations now with available resources, promising delivery without risking human needs or agricultural production.
