A Ford factory employee in Michigan exchanged insults with the US president on Tuesday, January 13. The episode took place during a previously scheduled visit by Trump.
The video starts with the Republican pointing at where the employee was standing, who shouted a series of insults and expletives, associating Trump with Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Trump can be heard shouting back at the Ford employee. A few seconds later, he raises his middle finger toward the worker.
On social media, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a statement defending Donald Trump’s behavior.
“A lunatic was shouting expletives uncontrollably in a complete rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unequivocal response,” he wrote.
David Tovar, Executive Director of Corporate Communications at Ford, spoke to CNN about Trump’s visit to the factory and commented on the incident involving the employee.
“We’ve seen the video you are referring to. One of our core values is respect, and we do not approve of anyone saying something inappropriate like this inside our facilities,” he said.
The employee, later identified as TJ Sabula, was suspended while authorities investigate the case, according to The Washington Post.
Sabula was a 40-year-old line worker and member of the United Auto Workers Local 600 union at the factory. In an interview with The Washington Post, he said he does not regret his actions.
“I don’t feel like fate looks at you very often, and when it does, it’s better to be ready to seize the opportunity. And today, I think I did just that,” the Ford employee said proudly.
BREAKING: 40 year old TJ Sabula, has been suspended from Ford for calling Trump a Pedo Protector, and getting flipped off, pending investigation.
Someone create a GoFundMe please!
Should we also boycott Ford? pic.twitter.com/wYGNrJ1ptZ
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 14, 2026
Photos: X @krassenstein and Instagram @potus. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
