Speaker Mike Johnson, left, and President Donald Trump, right, have taken different approaches to portraying the federal cuts amid the ongoing government shutdown. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Johnson told Fox News Digital in an interview earlier this week that Trump is "very bothered" by the position Democrats have put the government in and is concerned about its lasting impact on Americans.
He also told Fox Business host Larry Kudlow on Thursday that Vought is in an "unenviable" position, and while there "could be some good that comes out of it, if we limit the size and scope of government" that "it is not a job that he relishes."
And while Trump has heaped blame on Democrats for the shutdown's impact on Americans, he's struck a different tone when discussing its political fallout in recent days.
Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday that he would meet with Vought "to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends to be cut."
"I can't believe the Radical Left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity," Trump continued. "They are not stupid people, so maybe this is their way of wanting to, quietly and quickly, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Johnson also gave an emphatic defense of Vought during House Republicans' lawmaker-only call with the OMB director Wednesday, Fox News Digital was told.
The speaker cast the impending federal layoffs as a difficult position for Vought to be in, and one that Democrats placed him in by refusing the GOP's funding plan.
"Russ is not the grim reaper," Johnson said, Fox News Digital was told.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, left, speaks to the media next to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on the day President Donald Trump met with top congressional leaders from both parties in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 29, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But Democrats, infuriated by being sidelined in the federal funding discussions, are withholding support unless Republicans include language extending Obamacare subsidies that were temporarily enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican leaders have signaled openness to discussing the credits, which expire at the end of 2025 without congressional action, but have said those talks are better kept separate from federal funding.
The White House did not immediately respond when reached for comment on Trump and Johnson's messaging, but Fox News Digital did receive an automated reply that stated, "Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays. We ask for your patience as our staff work to field your requests in a timely manner."
"As you await a response, please remember this could have been avoided if the Democrats voted for the clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government open. The press office also cannot accommodate waves requests or escorts at this time. Thank you for your attention to this matter," the message said.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-johnson-appear-odds-government-shutdown-messaging