2 hours ago
Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 08:36 IST
The worker’s remark was a reference to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose past associations with powerful figures, including Trump, have drawn renewed scrutiny.
US President Donald Trump | Image: X
US President Donald Trump was caught in a heated on-camera confrontation with a Ford Motor Company worker during a visit to a manufacturing plant, after the man allegedly shouted “pedophile protector" at him.
The incident, in which Trump appeared to hurl an expletive and flash his middle finger, has since gone viral, triggering sharp reactions online.
The video, first shared by TMZ, shows Trump pausing as someone from the crowd yells at him. The president is then seen mouthing “f**k you," before briefly raising his middle finger in the direction of the individual and continuing to wave at other attendees.
The exchange took place during Trump’s visit to the Ford facility on Tuesday and was captured by multiple cameras.
According to TMZ, the worker’s remark was a reference to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender whose past associations with powerful figures, including Trump, have drawn renewed scrutiny.
The comment also appeared linked to growing public anger over delays and redactions in the release of Epstein-related files, which were approved for disclosure during Trump’s second term but have yet to be fully made public.
Responding to the viral footage, the White House defended the president’s conduct.
Speaking to CNN, a spokesperson described the individual as “a lunatic wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage," adding that Trump’s reaction was “appropriate and unambiguous."
Demands for the full release of Epstein-related documents have continued to dog Trump’s presidency.
Epstein, who was awaiting trial on charges of trafficking underage girls, died in a New York jail in 2019 in a death officially ruled a suicide but widely questioned by conspiracy theorists, including some of Trump’s supporters.
Although Trump signed bipartisan legislation mandating the release of the files, the Department of Justice has missed the December 19 deadline, citing the need to review more than two million documents.
The incident came on the same day Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club, where moments from his speech, including a brief pause to clear his throat, prompted speculation about his health among detractors.
Trump used the address to push back against concerns over rising prices, insisting inflation remained low and placing the blame on outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, as economic pressures continue to weigh on his approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.
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United States of America (USA)
First Published:
January 14, 2026, 08:36 IST
News world Trump Hurls Abuses, Flashes Middle Finger At Ford Worker Who Shouted 'Paedophile Protector'
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