UAW Vows to Protect Member Who Confronted Trump as Crowdfunding Surges Past $811,000

A stunning standoff inside a Dearborn automotive plant has ignited a national firestorm over free speech and presidential conduct.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has vowed to protect a member who confronted Donald Trump, a promise that comes as crowdfunding for the suspended worker surged past an incredible $811,000 in a single day.

The explosive incident took place during a presidential tour at the historic Ford River Rouge plant on Tuesday.

While the president observed F-150 truck production, 40-year-old line worker TJ Sabula shouted a pointed accusation from across the factory floor, referencing recently publicized court documents.

Video footage appeared to capture Donald Trump responding with a vulgar phrase and an obscene gesture before security moved him away.

The confrontation was immediate and unfiltered.

A White House spokesperson later defended the president’s reaction, describing the worker as a “lunatic” and the response as both “appropriate and unambiguous.”

By Wednesday, Ford Motor Company confirmed TJ Sabula had been suspended pending a full investigation.

In a formal statement, the automotive giant emphasized its core values of respect but declined to comment on the specifics of the personnel matter, leaving the worker's future in doubt.

UAW Stands Firm in Defense of Dearborn Factory Worker

Sabula later admitted to reporters that he feared for his job but stood by his decision to seize the opportunity to “call him out.”

That’s when his union, the UAW, stepped directly into the fray.

The union’s defense marked a powerful rebuke to both the company and the White House.

UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson issued a forceful statement guaranteeing the union would protect Sabula’s rights and his job, citing the fundamental importance of free speech.

Dickerson also noted that no worker should ever be subjected to such vulgar language, especially from a public official.

As news of his suspension spread, the public response was overwhelming.

Two separate crowdfunding campaigns launched to support Sabula during his suspension exploded with donations.

By Thursday morning, the funds had ballooned to a combined total of more than $811,000 from thousands of individual donors.

One notable contribution of $5,000 came from professional wrestling manager Jim Cornette.

Sabula officially closed the fundraisers on Thursday, expressing immense gratitude for the outpouring of support and asking people to redirect their generosity to other causes.

While his financial situation has been secured by a wave of public solidarity, his professional fate at the Dearborn plant remains undecided.