President Donald Trump has been in office for less than 24 hours and we have already learned more on his international plans.
The newly sworn-in President doubled down on his proposed plans to reclaim the Panama Canal. While the United States handed over control of the canal to Panama in 1999, the 47th President has been largely concerned with China’s presence in the waterway.
The President shared that we did not give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.
73% of the traffic that passes through the Panama Canal each day is American. Congressional effort is being backed by Congressman Dusty Johnson to get the ball moving on its acquisition.
President Trump also repeated in his Inaugural Address that he will be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
He later followed through on that promise, signing an executive order to change the name.
Florida has since become the first state to adhere to that executive order with an emergency declaration for the state of Florida warning of today’s winter storm referencing the body of water.
While he did not take immediate action to impose his widely discussed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Reuter’s is reporting action could be taken as soon as February 1st by the new administration.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
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From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
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Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
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RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
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The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
January 16, 2026 11:58 AM
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