Donald Trump believes the U.S. can monitor a deal that balances “substantial” electricity for Ethiopia with water for Egypt. The former President has offered to mediate the Nile dispute, proposing a hands-on American role to resolve the conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Trump’s letter to Egypt outlines a pragmatic solution. He supports Ethiopia’s right to power its economy but insists on “predictable water releases” for the downstream nation. He argues that with “fair and transparent negotiations,” a deal is within reach.
The dispute is a classic case of resource competition. Egypt fears the dam will leave it thirsty, while Ethiopia sees it as a path to prosperity. The failure to find a middle ground has left the region in a state of unease.
Trump has often boasted about his foreign policy record, claiming to have solved the Nile issue. His recent comments about the dam being a “big problem” show he remains focused on the region. His latest offer is an attempt to prove his critics wrong.
By emphasizing U.S. monitoring, Trump is offering a security blanket for the agreement. His willingness to engage with the technical details suggests he is serious about finding a solution. It is a high-stakes gamble in a volatile region.