Camilla Jessen
Over $350,000 raised for man who called Trump a ‘pedophile protector’ to his face after he’s suspended from job.
Trump was visiting a Ford plant in Michigan on January 13 when a worker shouted at him from the floor.
In footage obtained by TMZ, the man called the president a “pedophile protector.”
The remark appeared to reference criticism over the delayed release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump was seen responding with a gesture toward the man as security intervened.
The employee was later identified as 40-year-old TJ Sabula.
Suspended from job
Ford confirmed that Sabula was suspended following the incident. The company did not disclose further details.
After the video circulated widely, Ford’s executive director of corporate communications, David Tovar, told CNN: “One of our core values is respect, and we don’t condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities.”
“When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we don’t get into specific personnel matters,” he added.
No regrets
Sabula has since spoken publicly about the episode. He told The Washington Post that he stood by his actions.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula said. He added that Trump heard him “very, very, very clearly.”
Sabula said he believed he was targeted for “political retribution” after “embarrassing Trump in front of his friends.”
“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.”
White House response
The White House pushed back strongly. Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed Sabula’s actions in a statement.
“A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” Cheung said.
In the days following Sabula’s suspension, a GoFundMe page was launched on his behalf. As of the latest tally, more than $355,000 had been raised.
The fundraiser description reads: “Please help us raise funds for patriot TJ Sabula!! TJ was suspended from his job at the Ford Automotive Company for correctly calling President Donald J Trump a Pedophile Protector!!”
The campaign was created by Sean Williams and later transferred to Sabula, who now controls the page.
Sources: TMZ, The Washington Post, CNN, AFP, Unilad
