Trump Slams Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a 'Stupid Project' Amid Regional Water Concerns

US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, describing the massive infrastructure undertaking as a "stupid thing." During a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Trump acknowledged that Ethiopia constructed one of the largest dams in the world with US funding, but maintained his disapproval. He stated that the project diverged water from the Nile River, creating significant concerns for Egypt, though he claimed to have previously managed to address the issue.

In response, Ambassador Salah Halima, the Deputy Chairman of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, remarked that the comments from the US President present a chance to renew American involvement in resolving the ongoing crisis, protecting the water rights of Egypt and Sudan under international law. Halima recalled that Donald Trump previously facilitated negotiations during his first term that yielded a draft agreement among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia regarding the dam’s management, operation, and drought protocols.

Halima emphasized that the historical draft agreement sought to balance the interests of all three nations, promote cooperation, and safeguard water security. He cautioned that Ethiopia's current position undermines Egypt's interests and warned about the dangers of unresolved filling and operating guidelines during droughts, as well as the potential impact of future dam construction on Egypt and Sudan.