After months of promises to overhaul or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, President Donald Trump is touting a fast and robust federal response to the devastating Texas floods. One former agency leader says it’s “a defining event that can help them realize that a Federal Emergency Management Agency is essential.

President Donald Trump's threat to boost import taxes by 50% on Brazilian goods stands to raise the cost of Brazilian exports, with coffee and orange juice among several key products that may see price increases if no trade agreement is reached by Aug.

In an interview with TV Globo, Lula explained that, for now, he does not intend to call Trump but will defend the Brazilian productive sector by opening new markets. The president noted that the American’s tone is disrespectful and that he will not accept such behavior.

The fight is rooted in years of political history between President Trump and the last two presidents of Brazil.

Brazil believes it can withstand Trump’s 50 percent tariff, and aides to Lula say he is unlikely to shrink from a confrontation with the White House.