Ford Plant Worker Who Criticized Trump Keeps Job, Union Says

The UAW stood by the employee's free speech rights after he called the president a "pedophile protector".

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Ford factory worker who reportedly called President Donald Trump a "pedophile protector" during his visit to the Dearborn Truck Plant has retained his job, according to the United Auto Workers union. The 40-year-old UAW Local 600 line worker, identified as Thomas "TJ" Sabula, was initially suspended following the incident, but the union has now confirmed he faces no discipline and has "no discipline on his record."

Why it matters

The incident highlights the tension between workers' free speech rights and corporate policies, as well as the divisive political climate surrounding the Trump presidency. The UAW's decision to stand by Sabula sends a message about protecting workers' ability to criticize political figures, even those in positions of power.

The details

Sabula reportedly made the comment about Trump being a "pedophile protector" during the president's visit to the Ford factory on January 13, 2026. The incident went viral, partially due to Trump's response, which included expletives and raising his middle finger. Initially, Sabula was suspended, but the UAW has now confirmed he has retained his job with no disciplinary action.

  • The incident occurred during President Trump's visit to the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant on January 13, 2026.
  • Sabula was initially suspended following the incident, but has since been reinstated with no discipline.

The players

Thomas "TJ" Sabula

A 40-year-old UAW Local 600 line worker at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant who called President Trump a "pedophile protector" during the president's visit.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the incident, who responded to Sabula's comment with expletives and raising his middle finger.

Laura Dickerson

A UAW vice president who said that Trump told Sabula he would be fired, though the union has now confirmed Sabula kept his job.

Bill Ford

The executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, who expressed regret over the incident and said he was "embarrassed" by it.

UAW Local 600

The United Auto Workers union local that represents workers at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant, including Sabula.

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What they’re saying

“This ain't 'The Apprentice'. There was a worker at that plant that day who famously told Mr. Trump exactly what he thought of him. 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 (Political conference in Washington D.C.)

“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever. I don't feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity. And today I think I did that.”

— Thomas "TJ" Sabula (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The incident has sparked ongoing discussions about workers' free speech rights and the political tensions surrounding the Trump presidency.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics between corporate policies, workers' rights, and the divisive political climate, as the UAW's decision to stand by the employee who criticized the president sends a strong message about protecting free speech, even in the face of powerful political figures.