1 hour ago
Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 21:47 IST
The incident occurred during Trump’s visit to a Ford plant, where video showed him responding to heckling with a gesture, after which the company suspended the worker.
US President Donald Trump and CEO of Ford Jim Farley clap, as President Trump visits a Ford production center, in Dearborn, Michigan, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Ford Motor has suspended a factory worker who heckled President Donald Trump during a tour of the company’s Michigan truck plant earlier this week.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the worker, identified as T.J. Sabula, shouted “pedophile protector" as Trump walked past during the visit on Tuesday.
Trump was at the plant to highlight efforts to boost US auto manufacturing.
Video footage shared online showed the president responding by pointing at Sabula and raising his middle finger.
Ford’s decision to suspend the worker has renewed debate over the limits of political expression in the workplace.
The newspaper highlighted that several companies, including major tech firms and retailers, have previously taken action against employees for political conduct while on duty.
Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker, told The Washington Post after the incident that he was standing about 60 feet away from Trump when he shouted and had “no regrets whatsoever".
The White House defended Trump’s response. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, was quoted by the newspaper as saying that Trump’s reaction was appropriate, describing the worker as “a lunatic" who was shouting expletives.
Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who represents a district near Detroit, said she had spoken with Sabula following the incident. Dingell said the worker was shaken and worried about the impact on his family. She added that heckling politicians on factory floors was not unusual and urged restraint, saying she hoped Ford would not fire him.
A company spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal that the automaker had hosted a successful event and was proud of how employees represented the company. The spokesperson added that respect was a core value at Ford and that inappropriate remarks were not condoned within its facilities.
Location :
Dearborn, Michigan, US
First Published:
January 14, 2026, 21:47 IST
News world Ford Suspends Worker For Heckling Trump During Michigan Factory Visit: Report
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