One week into the government shutdown, the Republican party strives for a unified message, but President Donald Trump's spontaneous remarks are stirring confusion. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are adamant about not negotiating Affordable Care Act subsidies until the government reopens, a stance meant to showcase GOP unity against Democratic opposition.

However, Trump's impromptu comments suggest otherwise. On Monday, he hinted at ongoing health care negotiations with Democrats, directly contradicting the party leaders' firm stance. The next day, the White House's memo about the possibility of withholding backpay for furloughed workers added to the disarray, contradicting a 2019 law signed by Trump himself that ensured backpay for federal employees post-shutdown.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) expressed his doubts about Trump's intentions, suggesting the president might be using tough negotiation tactics rather than seriously considering withholding pay. "You can’t not pay them for work they’ve done," Cramer emphasized to POLITICO.

The leadership's message also saw internal contradictions. During a joint news conference, while Johnson showed openness to emergency legislation for paying essential workers during the shutdown, Thune quickly dismissed the necessity, pointing out that Democrats could end the shutdown by voting to reopen the government.

Back in their districts, House Republicans are pushing diverse agendas. Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania proposed legislation to halt federal income tax collection during the shutdown. In contrast, Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona introduced a bill to completely repeal Obamacare, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia advocated for eliminating the Senate's 60-vote threshold to ease reopening the government.

Amidst these varied responses, some senators are seeking bipartisan solutions. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) engaged in discussions, and a bipartisan group, including Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), met over Thai food to discuss funding negotiations. Mullin, informally liaised by the administration, downplayed his role, jokingly noting, "I don’t have a badge."

Additional Events to Watch: The Senate is set to vote again on stopgap funding bills, while the House leaders hold separate press events. Also on the agenda, a vote on a resolution to end U.S. military hostilities in the Caribbean and a Senate hearing on alleged government censorship under the Biden administration, with Democrats poised to highlight censorship issues during Trump's tenure.

Contributors to this report include Dasha Burns and Jordain Carney.