Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum. Photo by Eneas de Troya under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
Texas Border Business
A longstanding cross-border dispute over water allocation surged into the spotlight this week after former President Donald J. Trump accused Mexico of violating an international treaty by withholding water owed to Texas farmers.
On April 10, 2025, Trump posted on his TRUTH Social platform, saying: “Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair and hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only sugar mill in Texas closed because Mexico had been stealing water from Texas farmers. Ted Cruz has been leading the fight to get South Texas the water it is owed, but Sleepy Joe refused to lift a finger to help the Farmers. THAT ENDS NOW! I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers. Last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty. 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!”
The post immediately sparked an international reaction, particularly from Mexican officials, who maintain that the country is fulfilling its treaty obligations to the extent possible amid a historic drought. President Claudia Sheinbaum responded the following morning, April 11, during her daily press conference called the “mañanera.”
Addressing the water issue and Trump’s comments, Sheinbaum said, “I don’t think it should be renegotiated. It’s a fair treaty. … In fact, the United States delivers more [water to Mexico] than we deliver [to them].” She also noted the International Boundary and Water Commission’s ongoing work to identify solutions that benefit both nations.
Later that same day, Sheinbaum shared a more detailed statement via her official Twitter account. “Regarding the statement recently released by President Trump, I report the following: Yesterday, a comprehensive proposal was sent to the Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of State to address the water supply to Texas under the 1944 treaty, which includes very short-term actions. This has been a three-year drought, and to the extent water is available, Mexico has been complying. The International Boundary and Water Commission has continued its work to identify mutually beneficial solutions.
I have instructed the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, to immediately contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State. I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached.”
The 1944 Water Treaty, a binational agreement between Mexico and the United States, governs water distribution from the Rio Grande and Colorado Rivers. Periodic disputes have arisen over interpretations and deliveries under the treaty, particularly during drought or increased agricultural demand.
While the two countries have historically managed to resolve water disputes through diplomatic channels, Trump’s intervention and threat of punitive measures such as tariffs and sanctions signal a potentially more confrontational approach. Trump’s remarks framed former president Biden as disengaged from the issue.
See both social media posting below:
