A Michigan-based Ford worker who went viral for heckling President Donald Trump has now received a flood of financial support after being suspended from his job.
The Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that two separate crowdfunding campaigns on the GoFundMe platform for suspended Ford employee T.J. Sabula — which have been verified by the platform as legitimate — have brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars. As of 7 PM Eastern Time, the two fundraisers have brought in a total of $810,780. Both have been transferred over to Sabula, and he is now refusing additional donations due to the wave of money that's come in over the last 24 hours.
"We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support!" Sabula wrote in the final update to the fundraisers. "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!"
Sabula was present at the Dearborn, Michigan Ford plant that Trump visited on Tuesday ahead of his speech at the Detroit Economic Club. When Trump walked by a crowd of workers, Sabula could be heard accusing Trump of protecting child predators. Trump appeared to mouth "f—— you" to Sabula and responded by extending a middle finger in his direction. Despite being suspended from his job, Sabula took pride in the confrontation with the president.
"As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever," Sabula told the Washington Post.
"I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity," he continued. "And today I think I did that."
White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Trump's gesture toward the Ford worker and stated: "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response."
Click here to read the Detroit Free Press' full article.
