The Ford factory worker who was suspended from his job after yelling “pedophile protector” at President Donald Trump has stopped accepting donations to a pair of crowdfunding campaigns benefitting him. On Wednesday, TJ Sabula put an end to the fundraisers after they combined to raise more than $800,000.
Sabula did not start either of the two campaigns, but was made the beneficiary of both. One campaign was started by a family friend, while the other did not identify the creator’s relationship to Sabula. Both campaigns sought donations to help Sabula pay his bills while he awaits Ford’s decision on his future employment.
“We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!” reads a message left by Sabula on one of the fundraiser pages, while a similar statement was shared by the creator of the second campaign.
In total, the two campaigns have raised $811,010 for Sabula.
As news of Sabula’s actions spread, donations began pouring in from people who supported him. That included legendary professional wrestling manager Jim Cornette, who along with his wife Stacey Cornette, donated $5,000. That donation is tied for the largest single donation made to the fundraisers.
Sabula’s interaction with the president took place Tuesday while Trump was touring the Ford River Rouge plant in Dearborn. Sabula yelled his comment at Trump from about 60 feet away.
Video of the incident shows Trump react immediately as he appears to twice say “f*** you” before then flipping off Sabula. After the incident, White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed Trump reacted to the worker’s comments.
“A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” Cheung said.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Sabula admitted to yelling at the president, but said he had no regrets about his comments.
“I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity,” Sabula said. “And today I think I did that.”
The line worker said he was worried about retribution for his comments and for “embarrassing Trump in front of his friends.”
Ford issued a statement confirming it was aware of the incident, but declined to comment on employee matters. In response to Ford, United Auto Workers Vice President and Director of the Ford Department Laura Dickerson said the union would fight for Sabula.
“The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union—the UAW,” Dickerson said. “He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job.
“The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member.
“Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone—including the President of the United States.”
