A Detroit autoworker who called Donald Trump a “pedophile protector” has been suspended from his job at the Ford F-150 plant, but a GoFundMe campaign has already collected over $340,000 in support.
At a Glance
- TJ Sabula, 40, shouted “pedophile protector” at Trump during the president’s plant tour
- Trump appeared to mouth “fuck you” twice and extended his middle finger
- A crowdfunding campaign titled “TJ Sabula is a patriot!!” has surpassed $340,000
- Why it matters: The incident highlights growing political tensions in U.S. workplaces and the power of online fundraising for controversial figures
The confrontation happened Tuesday when TJ Sabula, a line worker at the Dearborn Truck Plant, heckled Trump during the presidential visit. Two separate videos, first published by TMZ, show Sabula yelling the phrase as Trump walked past. The president’s response-either spoken or mouthed-was “fuck you” twice, accompanied by a raised middle finger.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended Trump’s reaction. “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” Cheung told the Washington Post. The videos do not capture Sabula using expletives, only the phrase “pedophile protector.”
Sabula told the Washington Post he believes the suspension amounts to “political retribution” because he embarrassed Trump in front of supporters. “I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity,” he said. “And today I think I did that.”
Despite losing his job, Sabula expressed no regrets. He remains a member of the United Auto Workers union, which issued a statement on Bluesky backing his right to free speech:
- “The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union-the UAW.”
- “He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace.”
- “The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights.”
- “Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone-including the President of the United States.”
The GoFundMe campaign launched in Sabula’s name has seen rapid growth, crossing the $340,000 mark as of the latest update. The fundraiser’s description labels Sabula “a patriot” and encourages donations to support his family while he fights the suspension.
This incident occurs amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice has not released millions of documents related to Epstein’s crimes, violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed last year. Critics cite Trump’s past friendship with the convicted sex trafficker as context for Sabula’s heckle.
Crowdfunding has become a frequent tactic for individuals embroiled in polarizing events:
| Platform | Beneficiary | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|
| GiveSendGo | Rochester woman (racial slur) | $830,000 |
| GoFundMe | ICE agent Jonathan Ross | $710,000 |
| GoFundMe | TJ Sabula | $340,000+ |
A GoFundMe spokesperson told News Of Fort Worth that the trust and safety team is “currently reviewing all fundraisers related to the shooting in Minneapolis to ensure they are compliant with our Terms of Service.” The review focuses on the largest campaign for Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent who shot Renee Good on January 7. Funds remain held by payment processors during the review.
GoFundMe’s policy prohibits fundraisers for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with a violent crime. Campaigns violating the policy are removed. A verified fundraiser for Renee Good’s widow and child has raised over $1.5 million.
Sabula’s case underscores how online fundraising can swiftly reshape outcomes for individuals at the center of political flashpoints. With union backing and six-figure donations, the suspended autoworker appears financially secure while his employment status remains in limbo.
