Trump Curses at a Ford Worker and Gives Him the Finger on the Dearborn Assembly Line

While touring the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13, 2026, President Trump was filmed responding to an autoworker who appeared to shout "pedophile protector" at him. On video, Trump appears to say "f--- you" and extend his middle finger toward the worker. The visit was intended to promote domestic manufacturing; Trump later addressed the Detroit Economic Club.

Ford suspended the worker, citing its values around respect. The United Auto Workers responded the next day with a statement from Ford Department Director Laura Dickerson saying the member "believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace," that the union would ensure he received the full protection of his contract, and that "workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone -- including the President of the United States." More than $300,000 was raised publicly for the suspended worker.

The White House defended the president's response, telling TMZ the worker was "wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage" and that Trump "gave an appropriate and unambiguous response."