Ford Worker Who Heckled Trump Keeps Job, Not Disciplined

UAW says the worker's free speech rights were supported after he criticized the president's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United Auto Workers union said a Ford worker who heckled President Trump during a visit to a Michigan auto plant was not disciplined and kept his job. The worker, Thomas 'TJ' Sabula, criticized Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, prompting the president to raise his middle finger and shout profanity. The UAW supported Sabula's free speech rights, and online fundraising campaigns for him topped over $800,000 before being suspended.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the tensions between workers, unions, and the president, as well as the ongoing debate around free speech rights in the workplace. It also sheds light on Trump's handling of criticism and confrontation, which has been a point of controversy throughout his presidency.

The details

According to the UAW, Sabula heckled Trump by shouting what sounded like 'pedophile protector' as the president was touring the Ford F-150 assembly plant in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump responded by turning toward Sabula, appearing to use an expletive, and making a rude gesture as he walked off. The UAW vice president, Laura Dickerson, said the union supported Sabula's free speech rights and that he still has his job with no discipline on his record.

  • The incident occurred during Trump's visit to the Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan last month.

The players

Thomas 'TJ' Sabula

A Ford worker who heckled President Trump during his visit to the Michigan auto plant.

Laura Dickerson

A UAW vice president who spoke about the incident and Sabula's support from the union.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who was heckled by the Ford worker during his visit to the Michigan auto plant.

Bill Ford

The Ford executive chairman who called the incident 'unfortunate' and said he was 'embarrassed' by it.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This ain't 'The Apprentice,'”

— Laura Dickerson, UAW Vice President (usa-times.news)

“Unfortunately in that moment, we saw what the current president really thinks about working people and the way he responded — he gave us the middle finger.”

— Laura Dickerson, UAW Vice President (usa-times.news)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between workers, unions, and the president, as well as the debate around free speech rights in the workplace. It also sheds light on Trump's handling of criticism, which has been a point of controversy throughout his presidency.