UAW calls Trump’s conduct 'vulgar', backs suspended Ford worker after plant clash

DEARBORN, MICHIGAN: The United Auto Workers union is backing a Ford employee who was suspended after shouting at Donald Trump during the president’s visit to a Michigan auto plant, while sharply criticizing Trump’s response as “vulgar.”

The confrontation unfolded Tuesday at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, where Trump was touring the facility ahead of an address to the Detroit Economic Club.

Video from the visit shows the president reacting angrily after a worker yelled at him, prompting a public exchange that quickly drew national attention.

UAW backs Ford worker after clash with Trump at Michigan plant

In a statement posted early Wednesday, Laura Dickerson, vice president of the United Auto Workers and director of its Ford Department, said the union stands firmly behind the employee, identifying him as a union member exercising his right to free speech.

“The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union- the UAW,” Dickerson wrote on X.

“He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.”

Dickerson also criticized Trump’s conduct during the exchange, calling the president’s behavior inappropriate.

“Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone including the President of the United States,” she added, saying the union would ensure the worker receives full protections under the union contract.

Ford worker suspended after shouting at Trump during plant tour

The worker involved was later identified as 40-year-old TJ Sabula. According to multiple reports, Sabula shouted “p*******e protector” at Donald Trump, a reference to criticism surrounding the administration’s handling of Epstein files.

Trump was captured on video mouthing “f**k you” twice in Sabula’s direction before raising his middle finger as he walked past. The moment spread rapidly online, triggering backlash from labor groups and praise from some of Trump’s supporters.

Sabula was subsequently suspended from his job pending an internal investigation. In an interview with the Washington Post, Sabula said he had “no regrets” about the confrontation but believed he was being punished for embarrassing the president.

He said he felt targeted for “political retribution,” adding that while he identifies as politically independent, he has voted for Republicans in the past but not for Trump.

The White House later defended Trump’s reaction, portraying the incident as an unprovoked outburst by the worker. 

“A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.  

UAW’s political ties under spotlight after Trump clash

The incident comes amid a complicated political relationship between the United Auto Workers and Donald Trump.

The union initially endorsed Joe Biden during the 2024 election cycle and later backed Kamala Harris after Biden exited the race.

Following Trump’s election victory, UAW President Shawn Fain said the union would continue focusing on its core mission regardless of who occupies the White House.