Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed calls for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), urging all parties to avoid escalation and emphasizing the critical importance of Nile waters to downstream countries, particularly Egypt.
Speaking during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump described the situation as “highly sensitive” and expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a solution. “We hope this crisis does not escalate further. Water is life for Egypt, and I believe we will resolve this soon,” he said.
Trump revealed that the United States had financed the Ethiopian dam project, albeit without a clear explanation. “The U.S. funded the Renaissance Dam, I don’t even know why,” he said, adding that the dam has been a source of tension between Egypt and Ethiopia in recent years, especially during periods of drought when water levels are critical. There is no data to support that the U.S. actually funded the dam.
The president positioned the dam dispute as part of a broader American diplomatic effort to resolve global conflicts, referencing previous U.S.-led negotiations involving Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. “We’re also working on issues involving Egypt and its neighbors, especially the dispute over the dam and Nile waters,” Trump said.
In a pointed critique, Trump reiterated his disapproval of how the U.S. handled GERD funding in past administrations. “It was a foolish investment that has drastically reduced the flow of water to the Nile,” he said in comments made in June, adding that the U.S. had tried to maintain peace between Egypt and Ethiopia but was met with resistance.
Trump previously played a prominent mediating role in GERD negotiations during his first term. In 2019 and 2020, his administration hosted several rounds of U.S.-brokered talks in Washington, with the participation of the World Bank and all three key stakeholders: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
While Egypt signed onto the final draft agreement, Ethiopia ultimately refused, triggering a sharp response from Trump. At the time, he publicly criticized Addis Ababa’s refusal to cooperate and warned that Egypt might resort to drastic measures. “They [Egypt] may end up blowing up the dam. They can’t live like this,” he stated. “They should have stopped it before construction ever began.”
Reflecting on the failed deal, Trump added, “I had a great agreement for them, but Ethiopia violated it. That was a serious mistake.”
As tensions remain high in the region, Trump’s remarks signal a renewed American interest in playing a more assertive role in resolving one of Africa’s most complex and consequential water disputes. However, the road to consensus remains uncertain, as each side holds firm to its national interests and strategic concerns over water security and sovereignty.
