Trump Appears to Mouth ‘F* You’ After Ford Worker Shouts ‘Pedophile Protector’

 

What began as a high-profile factory tour quickly turned into a headline-making moment that’s now fueling conversations far beyond the walls of Ford’s historic River Rouge Complex.

During former President Donald Trump’s visit on Tuesday to spotlight U.S. manufacturing and proposed auto tariffs, a brief but explosive exchange unfolded between Trump and a longtime Ford line worker. T.J. Sabula, 40, shouted a sharp political accusation tied to Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The moment, captured on video, shows Trump responding from a catwalk by pointing at the worker, mouthing an expletive, and flashing a middle finger before continuing the tour.

WATCH: Trump shows his middle finger and appears to say "fuck you" after Ford worker yells "pedophile protector" – TMZ pic.twitter.com/aFsDmrvkr7

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Ford Motor Company later confirmed that Sabula was suspended pending an internal investigation, citing its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. “Respect is one of our core values,” a Ford spokesperson said, adding that the company follows established procedures when incidents arise but does not comment on individual personnel matters.

Sabula, however, remains unapologetic. In interviews following the incident, he said he felt compelled to speak out and stands by his actions. “I have no regrets,” he shared, framing the moment as a rare chance to voice his beliefs directly to a powerful figure.

Public reaction was swift and polarized. A GoFundMe campaign launched in Sabula’s support quickly surpassed $120,000, reflecting strong backing from supporters who view his outburst as an act of free expression. On the other side, the White House characterized the incident as a disruptive “fit of rage,” with a spokesperson defending Trump’s response as appropriate given the circumstances.

The episode unfolded against a backdrop of renewed scrutiny surrounding the Epstein case and mounting political tensions in Washington. Trump continues to face pressure from critics and members of Congress to release additional Epstein-related documents, while insisting he was never involved in wrongdoing and that past associations were severed years ago.

What’s clear is that a few seconds on a factory floor have ignited a much larger discussion—about protest, professionalism, and the boundaries of political expression in the workplace. As Ford reviews the incident and the public debate continues, the clash serves as a vivid reminder that even carefully choreographed events can take unexpected turns, leaving lasting echoes well beyond the tour route.