Overview
- Video from Jan. 13 shows President Trump mouthing an expletive and raising his middle finger after TJ Sabula shouted “pedophile protector” during a tour of Ford’s Dearborn plant.
- Ford confirmed it is aware of the incident and said it handles inappropriate conduct through internal processes, as Sabula remains suspended pending review.
- Two GoFundMe campaigns raised a combined $811,010 for Sabula before organizers closed donations, including a $5,000 contribution from wrestling figure Jim Cornette.
- The White House, through Communications Director Steven Cheung, defended the president’s reaction and labeled the heckler “a lunatic.”
- Public figures weighed in, with Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar backing Sabula while Sen. Rand Paul emphasized that workplace speech can carry employment consequences.