$810K Raised For MI Ford Worker Who Heckled Trump, He Pauses Donations

DEARBORN, MI — A suspended Ford worker, who yelled at President Donald Trump during his tour of the Rouge factory in Dearborn Tuesday, has paused his GoFundMe campaigns after donations climbed over $800,000.

TJ Sabula, a United Auto Workers union member, was suspended after he appeared to call Trump a "pedophile protector," a likely reference to the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump reportedly responded with "f--- you," and gave the person the middle finger, according to cellphone video posted on TMZ.

Two GoFundMe accounts were launched on his behalf, the "TJ Sabula is a Patriot" page and the "Support Ford Worker TJ Sabula during suspension," which combined raised $810,000 through Wednesday.

Though grateful for the overwhelming public support, he is now asking people to donate their money to other deserving causes.

"We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support," a note at the bottom of both original GoFundMe pages said. "We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!"

Organizers said the money would go to support Sabula, his wife and their two young children.

Most donors who left comments praised Sabula for his "courage" and use of free speech.

Ford said in a statement it does not "condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities" and that Sabula's "discipline is in the hands of the organization."

The United Auto Workers union said Wednesday it will fight for Sabula and ensure he has "full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job."

The White House defended the president's response, telling CNN, "a lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response."

Trump toured the Rouge factory in Dearborn before speaking to the Detroit Economic Club at the Motor City Casino. He touted his victory in Michigan in the 2024 election, applauded the economy, and defended his use of tariffs.