A Ford Motor Company employee was suspended after an outburst directed at President Donald Trump during the president’s visit to a major manufacturing facility in Dearborn, Michigan. The incident, captured on video and rapidly spread online, occurred as Trump toured the Ford River Rouge complex ahead of a speech to the Detroit Economic Club. The worker loudly accused the president of protecting pedophiles, drawing immediate attention from nearby employees, media outlets, and political observers.
The employee, identified as 40-year-old T.J. Sabula, later acknowledged making the remark and said he did not regret his actions. In interviews, Sabula explained that he felt compelled to speak out when presented with the opportunity, even though he anticipated potential professional consequences. While expressing concern about his future at Ford, he argued that his suspension amounted to retaliation for publicly embarrassing the president during a high-profile visit.
Video footage shows Trump reacting as he passed the group of workers, pointing toward the heckler and making a rude hand gesture while appearing to mouth a profane response. The clip, first shared by TMZ, spread quickly across social media platforms. Witnesses and Sabula himself indicated that the comment referred to ongoing controversies involving Trump’s past social associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and disputes surrounding the release of related government records.
Ford confirmed that Sabula was suspended pending an internal investigation, citing company standards regarding workplace behavior. The automaker declined to offer further details, noting that personnel matters are handled internally. Sabula, a member of United Auto Workers Local 600, said he considers himself politically independent and stressed that he has supported Republican candidates in the past, though not Trump.
The White House defended the president’s response, describing the worker’s conduct as aggressive. A spokesperson characterized Trump’s reaction as justified given the circumstances. The incident unfolded amid renewed criticism of the Justice Department for delays in releasing Epstein-related documents, despite bipartisan legislation mandating their disclosure.
Separately, internal tensions within the Justice Department intensified after the dismissal of a senior prosecutor who declined to pursue renewed charges against former FBI Director James Comey. The firing underscored broader disputes within the administration over accountability, prosecutorial authority, and adherence to legal procedures.
