Trump Threatens Tariffs and Sanctions on Mexico Over Water Dispute with Texas Farmers

President Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions on Mexico for violating the 1944 Water Treaty by withholding water owed to South Texas farmers. He criticized the Biden administration for inaction and underscored the detrimental impact on local agriculture. Senator Ted Cruz is leading efforts to enforce compliance with the treaty amid worsening drought conditions affecting the Texas citrus industry.

President Donald Trump recently issued a stern warning regarding potential tariffs and sanctions against Mexico if the nation continues to deny South Texas farmers access to vital water resources from the Rio Grande. He highlighted that Mexico is violating the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty by withholding 1.3 million acre-feet of water due to Texas farmers, asserting that this situation is significantly harming local agriculture.

In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump noted the detrimental impact on agriculture, citing the closure of the only sugar mill in Texas last year due to inadequate water supply. He proclaimed that he would ensure compliance with the treaty to protect Texas farmers and criticized the Biden administration for inaction regarding the ongoing water dispute.

Trump further emphasized his commitment to escalating the situation by halting water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico aligns with the treaty’s requirements. He mentioned plans for potential tariffs and sanctions as measures to compel Mexico to fulfill its obligations and restore the water rightful to Texas farmers.

Texas farm groups are expressing concerns about the current agricultural season, especially for citrus and sugar crops, due to prolonged water shortages exacerbated by drought conditions. The ongoing dispute over the treaty, which mandates Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States within a five-year span, underscores the urgency of this issue for local farmers.

The pressures on Texas’s half-billion-dollar citrus industry are particularly pronounced as the state finds itself amidst one of the worst droughts in nearly three decades. Recent actions by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs reflect growing tensions, as they denied a Mexican request for additional water deliveries, citing Mexico’s failure to meet treaty obligations.

Senator Ted Cruz has characterized the situation in South Texas as a “man-made crisis” and has taken a leading role in advocating for compliance with the treaty. He has expressed confidence that the Trump administration’s actions are necessary for pressuring Mexico to fulfill its water delivery commitments to Texas farmers.

In summary, President Trump’s warning of tariffs and sanctions against Mexico highlights the critical water issue affecting South Texas farmers. The adherence to the 1944 Water Treaty is essential to restore necessary irrigation for farmers facing severe drought conditions. The situation has drawn significant attention from local leaders, including Senator Ted Cruz, who is actively working to ensure compliance and alleviate the impending agricultural crisis in Texas.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com