Your top six U.S. political stories for Monday, August 17.

1. 1
   Foreign Policy

   Trump Scales Back Joint Military Drills With South Korea

   President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited the high cost of the drills and his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also expressed frustration over South Korea's reluctance to assist with efforts to denuclearize Iran.

2. 2
   Middle East Diplomacy

   Kushner Meets With Netanyahu and Hamas Leaders on Gaza Plan

   U.S. envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to advance President Trump's Gaza plan. This follows a rare meeting between Kushner and Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Cairo on Sunday. The diplomatic push comes just months ahead of an October national election in Israel.

3. 3
   White House

   Trump Pushes for 'Military Complex' Over Blocked East Wing Ballroom

   President Trump is now arguing that his proposed East Wing addition to the White House is a 'desperately needed National Security structure.' The pivot comes after federal courts blocked his original plan to build a massive VIP ballroom on the grounds. Trump initially touted the space as necessary for hosting dignitaries.

4. 4
   House Elections

   California Prepares for Special Congressional Election

   Bay Area voters will head to the polls tomorrow for a special congressional election to replace former Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell. Swalwell resigned four months ago amid sexual assault allegations that derailed his gubernatorial campaign. Tomorrow's election will decide who serves out the remainder of his current term.

5. 5
   Florida Primary

   Wasserman Schultz Faces Tough Primary in Redrawn District

   Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is navigating a contentious Democratic primary this week. The veteran lawmaker is running in a newly redrawn, heavily Black district. The race has sparked a fierce debate over racial representation and the importance of legislative experience.

6. 6
   National Mall

   Trump Blames Vandals for Dead Grass at July 4th Event Site

   President Trump is pointing the finger at vandals for large patches of dead grass near the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. The damage is located in the exact spot where he hosted his massive July 4th celebration last month. The White House has not provided evidence of the alleged vandalism.