Donald Trump claims U.S. financed Ethiopia's Nile dam

During a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, on October 9, Donald Trump commented on the long-standing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Trump claimed that the United States financed the massive dam project, describing the funding as a “stupid thing to do.” He further asserted that the dam caused Ethiopia to take “all the water” from the Nile River, stating, “the Nile River has no water in it.”

Ethiopian officials have previously denied claims of foreign financing, maintaining that the project was funded by Ethiopian government money, bonds, and public contributions. Ethiopia also notes that the dam is intended for hydropower, allowing water to continue flowing downstream.

Egypt views the dam as a significant threat to its primary water source, particularly during potential droughts. While the dispute involves Sudan as well, a binding agreement between the nations regarding the dam's operation has not yet been reached.