Sam Kuffel, a Milwaukee-based weather reporter, has been fired from her position at CBS58 after making controversial remarks about Elon Musk’s actions at a public event. Her dismissal came just a day after she accused Musk of making a Nazi salute during Donald Trump’s inauguration event.
Musk, who now oversees the Department of Government Efficiency, attended a gathering at Capital One Arena following Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th U.S. President. During the event, he made a gesture that some social media users interpreted as an inappropriate historical salute. The movement sparked online debate, with mixed reactions from the public.
Kuffel reacted strongly, posting on Instagram, “Dude Nazi saluted twice. TWO TIMES. At the inauguration.” She followed with a blunt statement distancing herself from anyone supporting Musk. In a separate post, she used a GIF from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to further criticize him.
Her comments drew backlash from conservative radio host Dan O’Donnell, who accused her of spreading misinformation and using offensive language.
CBS58 news director Jessie Garcia confirmed Kuffel’s departure in an internal memo, stating the station was in search of a replacement. Kuffel had been a well-known meteorologist at CBS58 for more than five years and previously worked at WAOW-TV after earning her degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2016.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) intervened in the controversy, releasing a statement acknowledging the political tension surrounding the situation. While recognizing that many people are on edge, they clarified that Musk’s gesture did not appear to be a Nazi salute but rather an awkward movement. They urged the public to approach the matter with understanding and patience.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also supported Musk, claiming that he was being unfairly accused.
This situation has reignited conversations about journalistic integrity, social media commentary, and the repercussions professionals face when engaging in political discussions online.
