U.S. President Donald Trump became embroiled in a verbal confrontation during a visit to a Ford Motor Company assembly plant in the Detroit area, after a worker appeared to shout the phrase “pedophile protector” while Trump was touring the facility.

According to video footage circulating online, Trump reacted by shouting “f*** you” toward the source of the remark and making an obscene hand gesture before continuing his walk through the plant. The exchange took place in full view of workers and security personnel.

Worker Identified, Disciplinary Action Taken

The individual who shouted the insult was later identified as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old Ford autoworker and member of United Auto Workers Local 600. Ford Motor Company confirmed that Sabula was suspended pending an internal review, citing workplace conduct policies.

Sabula has publicly stated that he does not regret his actions. In comments to U.S. media, he said his remark was politically motivated and stemmed from anger over Trump’s handling of matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the delayed release of associated documents.

White House Defends Trump

The White House rejected criticism of Trump’s response. Communications Director Steven Cheung described the worker as someone “screaming expletives in a fit of rage” and said the president’s reaction was “appropriate and unambiguous.”

Trump himself did not directly address the incident afterward, and his visit continued as planned.