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White House releases statement as video appears to show Trump mouth expletive at Detroit factory heckler
The White House has defended President Donald Trump after he was caught on video swearing at a heckler during a visit to a Ford auto plant in Dearborn, Michigan. Footage first shared by TMZ shows Trump mouthing “f*** you” and raising his middle finger toward someone on the factory floor while walking along an elevated walkway.
The moment unfolded on Tuesday during what was meant to be a routine stop to highlight Trump’s support for American manufacturing ahead of the 2026 election.
Despite the confrontation, the rest of the tour appeared to go smoothly, with many Ford employees cheering and snapping photos as the president moved through the plant. Trump later made an appearance at the Detroit Economic Club as part of his visit.
White House defends Trump’s reaction
According to reports, the heckler, identified as 40-year-old United Auto Workers Local 600 employee TJ Sabula, shouted, “You’re a pedophile protector,” referencing Trump’s past social ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Sabula was reportedly suspended from his job pending an internal review but said he had “no regrets whatsoever” about his actions.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing or connection to Epstein’s criminal activities, insisting he ended their friendship before the late financier faced any public accusations. While the two were once seen in social circles together, Trump has repeatedly claimed he distanced himself long before Epstein’s downfall.
In response to the viral footage, White House communications director Steven Cheung issued a brief statement via NBC News: “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.” Cheung did not challenge the authenticity of the video.
Public reaction and political implications
The video has stirred debate across social media and cable news networks, with critics pointing to the outburst as another example of Trump’s unpredictable behavior in professional settings. Supporters, however, argue that he was provoked and simply stood his ground in the face of disrespect.
The visit to the Ford plant was strategically important, reinforcing Trump’s campaign messaging around blue-collar job creation and industrial revival in key battleground states like Michigan. Despite the headlines, the administration hopes the focus will remain on its manufacturing agenda rather than the now-viral moment.