President Donald Trump has put Mexico on notice: fulfill your water obligations under the longstanding treaty with the United States—or face serious economic consequences. In a bold statement this week, Trump accused the Mexican government of shortchanging Texas farmers by failing to deliver their share of Rio Grande water, as required under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty.
“This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas farmers very badly,” Trump said. “Last year, the only sugar mill in Texas had to shut down because Mexico has been stealing the water from Texas farmers.”
Under the treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years. With the current cycle ending in October, Mexico has delivered less than 30% of what it owes. The shortfall has devastated agricultural operations across the Rio Grande Valley—especially during a period of prolonged drought that has made every drop of water even more precious.
Trump made it clear that failure to comply will be met with forceful action. He is reportedly considering a new round of tariffs and potential economic sanctions if the Mexican government does not meet its obligations. The warning was delivered in tandem with renewed efforts by Trump’s Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, and strong support from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has led the charge on Capitol Hill.
Cruz described the crisis as entirely avoidable and “man-made,” slamming Mexico for using drought as an excuse. “We’re watching South Texas farms collapse, not because of nature, but because of a foreign government breaking its promises,” he said.
Texas’s multibillion-dollar agricultural sector—including its half-billion-dollar citrus industry—is heavily dependent on Rio Grande water for survival. As water deliveries continue to lag, crop yields have plummeted, irrigation systems have dried up, and local economies have suffered.
Trump’s administration already took a tough stance last month by denying Mexico’s request for water transfers to Tijuana—sending a clear message that compliance is non-negotiable. Now, with the treaty deadline just months away, pressure is mounting on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to deliver.
Sheinbaum has acknowledged the deficit but blames severe drought conditions across northern Mexico. Her government insists they’re doing what they can—but American officials aren’t buying it. The treaty allows some flexibility, but U.S. negotiators argue that Mexico has used that clause to stall and delay for too long.
Trump’s warning reflects a broader shift toward accountability and assertiveness in foreign policy. As he made clear during his first term and again now, America won’t tolerate one-sided deals that harm American workers, families, or farmers.
With the October deadline looming, Texas farmers are looking to the Trump administration to do what past leaders wouldn’t—stand up for them. And President Trump isn’t backing down.
“We’re not going to let foreign governments rob American farmers anymore,” one senior administration official said. “If Mexico won’t keep its word, they’ll pay for it—plain and simple.”