Trump Announces Tariffs Threat on Mexico Over Water Dispute with Texas Farmers

Former President Trump has threatened Mexico with tariffs for failing to provide water to Texas farmers according to the 1944 Water Treaty, which has severely impacted agriculture in the region. Trump reiterated his commitment to enforce treaty obligations and secure water deliveries, while Senator Ted Cruz is leading efforts in the Senate to press Mexico to comply.

Former President Donald Trump has recently threatened Mexico with tariffs and potential sanctions due to its alleged failure to supply promised water to Texas farmers under the 1944 Water Treaty. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water, asserting that the situation is detrimental to South Texas agriculture, exemplified by the closure of the only sugar mill in the region in the previous year.

Trump emphasized his commitment to ensuring that Mexico honors its treaty obligations, insisting that Mexico must provide the necessary water to Texas farmers. He mentioned that he halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies and stated that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is actively advocating for Texas farmers. He warned of escalating consequences if Mexico fails to meet the treaty’s requirements.

The dispute over water deliveries has raised concerns regarding the upcoming agricultural season, with Texas farm groups predicting a challenging year for citrus and sugar crops. The 1944 treaty mandates Mexico to transfer 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande to the U.S. within a five-year cycle, crucial for sustaining Texas’s citrus industry amid ongoing drought conditions.

Concerns regarding the impact of Mexico’s shortfall on U.S. agriculture were reiterated by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, which announced it would deny Mexico a request for non-treaty Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana. In response to the water crisis, Texas Senator Ted Cruz remarked that he is leading efforts in the Senate to hold Mexico accountable for their treaty obligations and expressed support for the actions taken by the Trump administration.

In summary, former President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions against Mexico due to its alleged noncompliance with the 1944 Water Treaty, which has reportedly led to critical water shortages for Texas farmers. With impending challenges for the state’s agricultural sector, Trump and Senator Ted Cruz are determined to enforce treaty obligations, aiming to secure necessary water supplies for Texas agriculture. The situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution to ensure the well-being of farmers in South Texas.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com