Pence, according to more than a half-dozen White House and Capitol Hill aides, has been quietly delivering messages to the president from Republicans on the Hill, who have publicly opposed the tariffs plan set to be announced as early as Thursday — though he’s made sure to maintain a studiously neutral position, to the frustration of some who had hoped he would do more to exert influence over Trump.

Throughout his time as vice president, Pence has been careful to air any disagreements with the president privately, scrupulously avoiding the sorts of public feuds that have damaged the standing of other top administration officials with Trump. At times, he has even kept his mouth shut behind closed doors, according to two senior administration officials, declining to express his views when they are at odds with those of the president.