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. Then, he made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, bantering with the assembled reporters about their outfits and Trump’s recent social media posts. Vance offers Republicans a figure who has close ties to Capitol Hill and who can be trusted to stay on message. Trump ate dinner at the vice president’s residence Thursday night, signaling their close contact as the shutdown unfolds. A White House official described Vance as an effective messenger and an integral player in the administration’s efforts.