A Ford autoworker who was suspended after shouting an insult at U.S. President Donald Trump said he has no regrets after Trump responded by mouthing the words “f*** you” and flipping him off during a visit to a Michigan factory.
TJ Sabula, 40, was suspended pending an internal investigation after the confrontation Tuesday at the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn, where Trump was touring the facility alongside company executives. Video of the exchange, first published by TMZ, shows the president raising his middle finger and mouthing the profane phrase in Sabula’s direction as he walked past workers.
Donald Trump at the Ford factory
Sabula said he shouted “pedophile protector” at Trump from a distance of about 60 feet and believes the president heard him clearly.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Washington Post. “I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity.”
Sabula said he was later informed that he had been suspended from his job while Ford conducts an internal review of the incident. He said he believes the action amounts to political retribution.
“I believe I was targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends,” he said, adding that while he is concerned about the future of his job, he stands by his actions.
Sabula described himself as a political independent who has never voted for Trump but has supported other Republican candidates in the past.
The White House defended Trump’s response. Communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that “a lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.”
Trump’s visit to the Ford plant was intended to highlight domestic manufacturing and economic policy, but the confrontation quickly overshadowed the event and spread widely on social media.
The episode has drawn added attention amid continued scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of documents related to investigations into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A bipartisan law required the full release of those files by December 19, but estimates suggest only about 1 percent have been made public so far.
Ford has not commented publicly on the specifics of Sabula’s suspension beyond confirming that the matter is under review.
Sabula said he does not regret speaking out, regardless of the consequences.
“Whether it costs me my job or not,” he said, “I still believe it was worth it.”