The United Auto Workers (UAW) is expressing strong support for a union member following an incident involving President Donald Trump at a Ford plant in Michigan. The employee, TJ Sabula, faced suspension after confronting Trump during a factory tour. Video footage showed Trump responding to Sabula’s comments with an obscene gesture.
Incident Details and Union Response
On Tuesday, Sabula, who works at a Ford F-150 assembly plant in Dearborn, Michigan, called Trump a “pedophile protector.” This remark led to his immediate suspension from the job. In response, Laura Dickerson, Vice President of the UAW, emphasized the union’s commitment to protecting Sabula’s rights and job security.
- Ford assembly plant: Dearborn, Michigan
- Union member: TJ Sabula
- Event date: Tuesday (Exact date not specified)
Union’s Commitment to Free Speech
In a statement, Dickerson affirmed the UAW’s stance on free speech, declaring, “Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone—including the President of the United States.” She reiterated the union’s dedication to representing Sabula during this contentious time.
Public Reaction and Fundraising Efforts
As the incident gained traction on social media, reactions were mixed. The White House suggested that Trump’s response was justified, with communications director Steven Cheung referring to Sabula as a “lunatic” and describing Trump’s reaction as “appropriate.”
Despite his suspension, Sabula has remained unapologetic. “Definitely no regrets whatsoever,” he stated in an interview.
Support for TJ Sabula
In addition to the backing from the UAW, Sabula has garnered significant support from the public. An online fundraising campaign attracted over 13,000 contributors, gathering more than $330,000 before the organizer paused donations.
Diandra Gourley, a friend who initiated the GoFundMe campaign, expressed gratitude on behalf of Sabula and his family. She thanked the supporters for their contributions and encouraged them to consider other charitable causes.
