Dearborn, Michigan – January 15, 2026 – Ford Motor Company has placed a 40-year-old assembly line worker on suspension following a viral confrontation with President Donald Trump during a tour of the Dearborn Truck Plant on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has ignited debates over free speech, workplace conduct, political expression, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The worker, identified as T.J. Sabula, a member of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600, shouted “pedophile protector” at the president as Trump walked an elevated walkway overlooking the F-150 production line. The remark, according to Sabula in an interview with The Washington Post, referenced the Trump administration's handling of the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite a federal law (the Epstein Files Transparency Act) requiring full disclosure by mid-December 2025, only a small fraction of files has been made public, fueling public speculation and criticism.
In response, video footage shows Trump turning toward the source of the shout, appearing to mouth the expletive “f--- you” twice before raising his middle finger in a vulgar gesture toward the factory floor. The White House defended the president's reaction, with Communications Director Steven Cheung describing the heckler as a “lunatic” in a “complete fit of rage” and calling Trump's response “appropriate and unambiguous.”
Ford issued a statement emphasizing its core value of respect: “We don’t condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal it, but we don’t get into specific personnel matters.” Executive Chairman Bill Ford later described the incident as “unfortunate” and expressed embarrassment, noting that it represented only “six seconds out of an hour tour” and that the overall event went well.
Sabula, a married father of two who identifies as politically independent (having never voted for Trump but supporting other Republicans), told The Washington Post he has “no regrets whatsoever” about calling out the president. “As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets,” he said. However, he expressed concern over job security, claiming he feels “targeted for political retribution” for embarrassing Trump “in front of his friends.” Sabula was suspended pending investigation, though reports indicate it is with pay.
The UAW swiftly rallied behind its member. Laura Dickerson, UAW Ford Department Vice President and Director, issued a strong statement: “The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union—the UAW. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.” Dickerson added that workers “should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone—including the President of the United States,” and vowed that the union would ensure Sabula receives “the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member.”
The episode has sparked widespread public reaction. Two GoFundMe campaigns supporting Sabula raised over $810,000 in less than 48 hours before he requested they be closed late on January 14, urging donors to support other causes. Supporters, including some high-profile figures and bands, praised him as a “patriot” and “hero” for exercising free speech. Democratic lawmakers, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), called Sabula a “national hero” and criticized Ford's response as “shameful,” while urging the full release of Epstein files.
The visit to the Dearborn Truck Plant—home to F-150 assembly—was intended to showcase the administration's support for American manufacturing, including tariffs and job creation initiatives. Trump was accompanied by Ford CEO Jim Farley, Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and plant manager Corey Williams. Despite the disruption, Ford highlighted positive aspects, including announcements of 1,200 new jobs at the facility.
The incident underscores deep political divisions in key industrial states like Michigan, a battleground in recent elections. It also revives scrutiny of Trump's past association with Epstein (before their fallout) and the slow pace of document releases, with polls showing significant public skepticism about transparency.
As the investigation continues, the confrontation has become a flashpoint for discussions on workplace free speech, presidential decorum, and accountability in high-profile settings. Sabula's suspension remains in effect, with the UAW committed to defending his position, while Ford maintains its focus on respect and operational standards.
