A Milwaukee weather reporter has been let go just a day after she took to social media to criticize Elon Musk for what some saw as a controversial gesture. Musk, now heading the Department of Government Efficiency, made the gesture at Capital One Arena following Donald Trump’s inauguration. His action—thumping his chest and raising his arm—led some to draw comparisons to a historically charged salute.
News director Jessie Garcia confirmed in an internal memo that meteorologist Sam Kuffel was no longer part of CBS58 and that the station was actively seeking her replacement.
Kuffel had voiced her outrage on Instagram, posting an image of Musk and accusing him of making the gesture twice. She used explicit language to condemn those who supported him and added a GIF from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to drive home her frustration, calling Musk an offensive term.
Her remarks sparked backlash from conservative radio host Dan O’Donnell, who criticized her for spreading false claims and using vulgar language. Kuffel, who had been with CBS58 for more than five years, previously worked at WAOW-TV after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016.
As the controversy grew, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement, clarifying that Musk’s gesture was a misunderstood moment of enthusiasm rather than a Nazi salute. They urged people to focus on healing and unity in these politically charged times.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stepped in, defending Musk and calling the accusations against him unfair.
