A Ford autoworker was suspended from his job after a tense exchange with President Donald Trump during a visit to a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday. Video from the event shows Trump seemingly mouthing “f* you”** and making a middle-finger gesture at a heckler who called him a “pedophile protector.”
The worker, later identified as TJ Sabula, has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by Ford.
Trump in Ford Plant: What Happened at the Ford Plant Visit
Trump was touring the Ford River Rouge complex, a major auto assembly facility, when the incident occurred. The visit was part of his broader trip to Michigan, a key political battleground, and was meant to focus on American manufacturing and factory jobs.
During the tour, someone on the factory floor shouted at the president. Video published online shows Trump turning toward the voice, mouthing an expletive, and then raising his middle finger as he walked away.
WATCH: Trump shows his middle finger and appears to say “fuck you” after Ford worker yells “pedophile protector” – TMZ pic.twitter.com/aFsDmrvkr7
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 13, 2026
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended Trump’s reaction, calling it an “appropriate and unambiguous response” to what he described as a heckler “wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage.”
Who Is TJ Sabula? Shouted “Pedophile Protector” to Trump
TJ Sabula, 40, is a line worker with United Auto Workers Local 600 at the Ford plant. He confirmed that he was the person shouting “Pedophile protector” at Trump during the visit.
Sabula said he was standing about 60 feet away from Trump and believed the president could hear him “very, very, very clearly.” Sabula Says He Has “No Regrets”
Speaking about the incident, Sabula said, “As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever.”
He expressed concern about his job, suggesting he had been “targeted for political retribution” for “embarrassing Trump in front of his friends.” Reflecting on the moment, he added, “I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you’d better be ready to seize the opportunity. And today I think I did that.”
Sabula identifies as a political independent and said he has never voted for Trump, although he has supported other Republican candidates in the past.
Trump in Ford Plant: White House Reaction
The White House described the exchange as a reaction to sudden provocation rather than a planned act. Cheung emphasized that the president’s response was justified given the circumstances, defending Trump’s behavior during the encounter.
The phrase “pedophile protector” is tied to ongoing public criticism of Trump’s associations and past controversies related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The remark by Sabula highlights the political tensions present during the visit.
The incident has sparked debates about free speech, workplace conduct, and political expression. Supporters of Sabula praise his courage in speaking out, while others argue that employees should remain respectful at public events.
For now, TJ Sabula remains suspended from Ford as the internal investigation continues, while the viral video of the president’s reaction continues to attract attention online.
