A Ford autoworker suspended after shouting at President Donald Trump during a factory visit says he stands by what he did — even as the confrontation continues to ripple across politics, labor, and social media.
The worker, identified in multiple reports as T.J. (Thomas) Sabula, was suspended without pay after a viral clip showed him yelling toward Trump during the president’s visit to Ford’s Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13, 2026. (The Guardian)
What happened at the plant
Video shared widely online appears to capture Sabula shouting “pedophile protector” toward Trump from the factory floor as the president stood on an elevated walkway. Trump then turned back toward the worker and appeared to mouth an expletive and make an obscene hand gesture before walking on. (Wall Street Journal)
Ford has not publicly detailed the discipline, but coverage of the incident describes the company reviewing the matter and emphasizing expectations for workplace respect and appropriate conduct. (Wall Street Journal)
“I have no regrets whatsoever”
In interviews cited by major outlets, Sabula said he has “no regrets whatsoever” about speaking up, while also expressing concerns about what the backlash could mean for his job and family. (The Guardian)
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has voiced support for Sabula’s rights and said it is reviewing the suspension, framing the episode as a workplace free-speech and dignity issue — while also criticizing the tone of the exchange captured on video. (Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans)
Fundraising explodes — but totals are under $1 million right now
The incident triggered a wave of online fundraising for Sabula. As of the latest visible totals on the two main GoFundMe pages, donations are about $810,780 combined (roughly $480,755 on one fundraiser and $330,025 on another), with donations currently paused on both. (GoFundMe)
Some social posts and secondary write-ups have described the support as “near” or “approaching” $1 million, but based on the live figures shown on the two primary GoFundMe pages, the combined amount is still below $1 million as of the time of this writing. (GoFundMe)
Jim Cornette pledges — and confirms — a $5,000 donation
Former wrestling manager and commentator Jim Cornette publicly pledged $5,000 to Sabula and later confirmed the donation was made through the fundraiser, drawing fresh attention from wrestling fans and other online communities. (Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans)
Where things stand
For now, the suspension and the viral footage have put Ford, the UAW, and the White House into the same headline — with each side casting the moment differently: a worker’s protest, a workplace conduct matter, or a disruption met with a sharp response. (Wall Street Journal)
Whether the disciplinary action is upheld, reduced, or reversed will likely depend on Ford’s internal review and any union grievance process — but the broader impact is already clear: a few seconds of video inside a factory have sparked a national argument about politics on the job, corporate rules, and how quickly online fundraising can turn one worker into a symbol. (Wall Street Journal)
