Weather forecasting icon Sam Kuffel has been ousted from CBS58 after sparking controversy on social media by criticizing Elon Musk’s arm gesture during a January inauguration. The Milwaukee TV station abruptly terminated Kuffel, effective Wednesday morning, just one day after she posted two Instagram photos and comments alleging the gesture resembled a Nazi salute.
Kuffel, 31, had been working at WDJT-TV (Channel 58) for over five years before transitioning to other roles, including hosting weather segments on local sports radio station WRNW-FM (97.3). She previously worked as a meteorologist at WAOW-TV in Wausau after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016.
Kuffel’s posts included a picture of Musk at a Trump inauguration event with the caption, “Dude Nazi saluted twice. TWICE. During the inauguration.” She added, “You (expletive) with this and this man, I don’t (expletive) with you. Full stop.” Her account was later made private as she dealt with public criticism.
Earlier in the week, Kuffel was quoted in a CNN story about the loss of local weather forecasters at stations across the country. She expressed support for stricter regulations on weather forecasting to ensure accuracy and safety during severe weather events.
The incident has drawn criticism from conservative voices, including radio host Dan O’Donnell, who called her posts “vulgar” after they spread claims that Musk was making a Nazi salute. Kuffel remained unreachable for comment as of Wednesday afternoon.
Source: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/22/cbs-58s-sam-kuffel-is-out-after-criticizing-elon-musk-arm-gesture/77883983007