Local meteorologist fired after criticizing Elon Musk's salute on social media



A news station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is facing some online backlash for firing a meteorologist who criticized Elon Musk's salute on social media.

On Monday, Musk made a gesture saluting supporters of President Donald Trump that many compared to a Nazi salute, though the Anti-Defamation League has defended him and asked people to give each other the benefit of the doubt.

'NEVER again is this household watching your station unless you apologize.'

On Tuesday, WDJT-TV meteorologist Sam Kuffel posted on Instagram her anger over the salute.

“Dude Nazi saluted twice. Twice. During the inauguration,” Kuffel wrote. "You f*** with this and this man, I don't f*** with you. Full stop."

She added a meme with the caption, “Screw that old b****. He’s a Nazi.”

Screenshots of the story were posted to social media, where she and the station were heavily criticized. On Wednesday, the station said in an email that Kuffel was no longer employed at the station. The email did not say the Instagram posts were the cause of her termination.

Some on social media condemned the station and accused it of bowing to fascism.

F*** you, @CBS58. F***ing nazis should be called f***ing nazis, and anyone who doesn't call them that is complicit. NEVER again is this household watching your station unless you apologize and reinstate Sam Kuffel," read one popular post.

"You've lost a household of viewers, @CBS58 & I hope your other employees leave of their own accord- THIS IS F***ING STATE MEDIA BULLS***. Bending the channel's knee to goddamn ACTUAL NAZI PROPAGANDA is beyond the pale. Get so f***ed," read another popular response.

"Calling out objective reality gets you fired now. Dark times we’re in right now," said another critic.

Musk has mocked the accusation against him.

Kuffel is 31 years old and had worked at WDJT for five years.

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Ocasio-Cortez pounces on Anti-Defamation League for defending Elon Musk from Nazi accusations



The Anti-Defamation League put out a statement defending Elon Musk from accusations that he made a Nazi salute, and a left-wing congresswoman immediately assailed the group for it.

Musk made an exuberant gesture twice while speaking at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., after the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday. Many accused him of intentionally showing support for white supremacy while others dismissed it as a mistaken gesture.

'It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.'

The ADL released a statement calling on people to tamper down the rhetoric around the "awkward gesture."

"This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety. It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge," read the statement.

"In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath," the group added. "This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead."

Rather than heed the call for civility, democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York criticized the ADL for trying to ease the divisiveness.

"Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media.

"People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now," she added. "You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all."

Ocasio-Cortez previously ran afoul of the ADL when she tried to blame another Jewish group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, for the devastating losses for Democrats in the 2024 elections.

Ocasio-Cortez didn't seem to mind continuing to utilize X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, while accusing him of being a Nazi.

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CNN anchors react with shock and horror at Elon Musk salute during speech at Trump inauguration



Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk horrified the anchors at CNN after making a salute during his speech on Monday after the second inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Musk was giving a speech at the Capital One Arena when he told the audience he'd give them his heart and then made a salute which some described as a Roman salute but which others claimed was meant to be a Nazi salute.

'My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.'

"It's a salute. It was quick. I think our viewers are smart and they can take a look at that, but it certainly was, it's not something that you typically see at American political rallies, let's put it that way," said Kate Bolduan.

"It was very quick. It was in a moment of intensity for him as he came out dancing, and then he did that," said Erin Burnett.

While many on social media also accused Musk of making a Nazi salute, the context of the salute in his speech belies that explanation.

Musk was enthusiastic and very animated as he addressed the crowd:

— (@)

"This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization," said Musk. "This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen!"

At that moment, he slammed his hand to his chest and then saluted the crowd. Then he turned around and saluted the flag as well.

"My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured," he added. "Thanks to you!"

He said Americans would have safe cities, border security, and sensible government spending in Trump's second term. Musk went on to advocate for the U.S. to lead the effort to colonize Mars.

"Can you imagine how awesome it will be to have American astronauts plant the flag on another planet for the first time?! How inspiring would that be?!" he asked.

The crowd was enthusiastic for Musk's message and chanted, "Elon! Elon!" back at him.

“I’m going to work my a** off for you guys! I really will," he laughed. "I’m super fired up for the future. It's going to be very exciting."

— (@)

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