Elon Musk is emerging as a new star in Democratic ads and fundraising appeals, as politicians from Virginia to Wisconsin try to seize on the tech billionaire’s role in slashing the federal government to motivate their voters and donors.

The White House has wrestled with political blowback over Musk's role and legal challenges that have tried to block or slow down his work. Republicans who are facing growing pressure in contentious town halls have started to speak up.

Democratic politicians released campaign ads featuring Elon Musk as a symbol of billionaire-driven budget cuts that threaten healthcare and social programs.

The government is headed toward a shutdown unless a deal is reached by March 14. And disagreements over DOGE may be the biggest roadblock.

The dynamic of cutting government while also cutting out those who answer to voters has alarmed even some fiscal conservatives.

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) defended Elon Musk and DOGE’s recommendations for federal job cuts, saying that Americans are “fed up” with government spending.

His unusual governing arrangement with President Trump is opening Republicans up to being yoked politically to Mr. Musk, who polls show is broadly unpopular.

President Trump is backing a House Republican plan to avert a government shutdown next week. He also played down reports of in-fighting in his Cabinet with advisor Elon Musk. Nikole Killion has the details.