Vance Emerges as White House Frontman in US Shutdown Fight

The White House has increasingly made Vice President JD Vance the face of the government-shutdown fight, turning to a messenger who so far has taken a lighter touch — and more discipline — than President Donald Trump.

Vance’s expanded role was evident from the start, with the vice president attending negotiations Monday between Trump and congressional leaders before the shutdown and then taking the lead role, ahead of House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, in briefing reporters after the meeting.

On Wednesday, Vance appeared on morning television shows to make the administration’s case for ...