A Ford employee suspended after heckling US President Donald Trump during a workplace visit has become the focus of a major crowdfunding drive. So far, supporters have donated more than $800,000 in less than 24 hours.
The worker, identified as TJ Sabula, told The Washington Post that he shouted at the President during his visit to a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan on Jan. 13. Footage obtained by TMZ shows Trump reacting after someone shouted “paedophile protector,” a remark Sabula later said was made by him. The comment appeared to reference the White House's delay in releasing the full Jeffrey Epstein files. In the video, Trump can be seen raising his middle finger and mouthing an expletive in response.
Crowdfunding Campaigns Raise More Than $800,000
By the evening of Jan. 14, two GoFundMe campaigns set up in support of Sabula had together raised more than $800,000. One collected over $480,000, while the other raised more than $329,000 before donations were paused.
According to Business Insider, an update posted on both fundraising pages said, “TJ and his family greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time, we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organisations to support. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!”
One of the campaigns, which received contributions from more than 21,000 donors, described Sabula as a patriot. “TJ Sabula is a patriot,” it said, adding, “Let's rally and support TJ and help him pay some bills (and force DJT to release the Trump/Epstein Files).”
Both campaigns list “Thomas Sabula” as the official beneficiary.
Union Backs Suspended Worker
A source at the United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents employees at the Ford plant, told Business Insider that Sabula had been suspended.
“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, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job,” Laura Dickerson, vice president of the UAW, told the publication in an email.
Dickerson added that the union is reviewing Sabula's suspension and said, “Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behaviour by anyone, including the President of the United States.”
Sabula, meanwhile, told The Washington Post that he has “no regrets whatsoever.”
Responding to the incident, the White House said in a statement to The Washington Post, “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.”
