President Donald Trump acknowledges employees during a tour of the Ford River Rouge Plant, Tuesday, in Dearborn, Mich. A worker allegedly traded insults with Trump during the visit. (The White House via X)
The worker shouted an insult at Trump, who then responded by "flipping the bird" and appearing to mouth the words "f--- you" twice.
An online fundraiser purportedly for the worker, who identified himself as TJ Sabula, said he has been suspended by the Ford Automotive Company for calling Trump a "Pedophile protector!!" The fundraiser also urged Trump to release more files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, defended Trump's reaction, telling Fox News Digital that: "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response."
TRUMP WEARS 'HAPPY TRUMP' PIN ALONGSIDE AMERICAN FLAG DURING WHITE HOUSE OIL EXECUTIVE MEETING
President Donald Trump speaks as Executive Chairman, Bill Ford, left, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and Ford River Rouge Plant Manager Corey Williams listen, Tuesday, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sabula, who said he identifies as politically independent and has never voted for Trump, told the newspaper that he has supported other Republican candidates in the past. He said he was standing roughly 60 feet away from Trump at the time and said the president could hear him "very, very, very clearly."
Fox News Digital has reached out to Ford.
Fox News Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/union-backs-ford-worker-who-traded-insults-trump-during-michigan-plant-visit