Republican leaders are at odds over their messaging strategy ahead of the impending government shutdown, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocating for a simple message criticizing Democrats for unreasonable demands, while Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes the GOP’s opposition to Democratic policies that impact immigration and public benefits. President Trump has added to the confusion by using culture war rhetoric, accusing Democrats of seeking taxpayer-funded transgender healthcare, a stance that has left some GOP members bewildered. These divisions are undermining the party’s unified front, with Democrats exploiting the disarray by focusing on health care extensions.