President Donald Trump was captured on video responding to a heckler with an obscene gesture and a profanity during a visit to a Ford automotive factory in Michigan.
Confrontation on the Factory Floor
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, while the president was touring the Ford F-150 plant in Dearborn. According to footage obtained by TMZ, an off-camera individual, later identified as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old assembly line worker, shouted at Trump, calling him a "pedophile protector." The taunt appeared to reference the ongoing controversy surrounding the administration's handling of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In clear view of the camera, Trump seemingly mouthed the words "f*** you" in response before walking away, simultaneously raising his middle finger. He then continued to wave and smile at other attendees.
Heckler Suspended Amid Claims of Retribution
TJ Sabula, a member of the United Auto Workers Local 600, spoke to The Washington Post after the event. He stated he had "definitely no regrets whatsoever" for confronting the president. However, Sabula confirmed he had been suspended from his job at the Ford plant pending an investigation into the matter.
He claimed the suspension was a form of "political retribution" for "embarrassing Trump in front of his friends." At the time of the heckling, the president was accompanied by Bill Ford, the company's executive chairman and grandson of founder Henry Ford, and Jim Farley, Ford's president and CEO.
White House Defends President's Reaction
The White House swiftly defended the president's conduct. Steven Cheung, the White House director of communications, issued a statement to The Independent describing the heckler as a "lunatic... wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage." Cheung asserted that the president's reaction was "appropriate and unambiguous."
Despite the hostile exchange, other parts of the factory tour were more cordial. The Washington Post reported that several workers were seen cheering and taking selfies with President Trump, who later delivered a speech at the Detroit Economic Club.
Epstein Fallout Continues to Dog Presidency
The heckler's specific accusation underscores the persistent political damage stemming from the Epstein scandal. Although Trump has consistently denied close ties to Epstein and faces no criminal accusations, the issue has plagued the first year of his second term and caused divisions within his MAGA support base.
The controversy prompted figures including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie to defy the White House late last year. They forced a House vote in November compelling the Department of Justice to release all unclassified files connected to the Epstein case, keeping the matter in the public eye.
The Independent has contacted Ford Motor Company for comment on the incident involving its employee and the president's visit.
