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Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off

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TJ Sabula Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off UAW Ford auto
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DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.

The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.

According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.

The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.

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In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.

“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”

Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.

In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.

The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.

Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.

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Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.

Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.

The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.


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16-year-old Hunter McKelvin dies after rescue during camping trip in Indian River

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16-year-old Hunter McKelvin dies after rescue during camping trip in Indian River island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater Volusia County
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Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.

Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.

Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.

McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.

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Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.

An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.


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