A CBS affiliate station in Milwaukee has terminated the contract of meteorologist Sam Kuffel, 31, after she criticized Elon Musk for making a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during Donald Trump's inauguration parade ¹. Kuffel's Instagram posts, which have since been made private, described Musk's actions as a "Nazi salute" and expressed her disgust ².
The incident began when Musk made the controversial gesture while speaking at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. ³. Many observers, including historians and experts, have likened the gesture to a Nazi salute, sparking widespread criticism ³. Kuffel's comments, although made on her personal social media account, drew the ire of conservative radio host Dan O'Donnell, who shared screenshots of her posts and called for her termination ¹.
The swift firing of Kuffel has raised questions about free speech, censorship, and the role of journalists in speaking truth to power ². Many have come out in support of Kuffel, condemning the decision to fire her as an attack on journalistic integrity ³.
