Vladimir Putin, Venezuela, ‘Game of Thrones’: Your Monday Briefing

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Good morning.
Here’s what you need to know:
• 755 U.S. diplomats must go, Putin says.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia responded aggressively to new American sanctions on his country, ordering expulsions that seem sure to increase tensions.
It was the harshest such move since 1986, but Washington’s response on Sunday was muted.
Mr. Putin had bet that President Trump would treat Russia favorably, but his gamble “has now backfired, spectacularly,” our national security correspondent writes, as the sanctions passed by Congress have tied the U.S. president’s hands.
• A new face in the West Wing.
John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, takes over what is probably the second-hardest job in Washington today: White House chief of staff.
James Baker, who held the position under two presidents, offered some advice: “You can focus on the ‘chief,’ or you can focus on the ‘of staff.’ Those who have focused on the ‘of staff’ have done pretty well.”

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