UAW Backs Suspended Dearborn Ford Worker For Comments To Trump

DEARBORN, MI — The United Auto Workers union is fighting for a member who was suspended without pay after a heated exchange with President Donald Trump at Dearborn's Rouge factory Tuesday.

A longtime friend identified the worker as TJ Sabula, who appeared to call Trump a "pedophile protector," a likely reference to the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump responded with "f--- you," and gave the person the middle finger, according to cellphone video posted on TMZ.

Sabula was then suspended by Ford without pay.

The union said it will ensure Sabula has "full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job."

"Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone—including the President of the United States," union leaders said.

A GoFundme account has raised over $200,000 for Sabula, who friends said a husband and father of two.

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.