Donald Trump flips off worker calling him ‘paedophile protector’ in wild heckling at Michigan Ford factory

Wild footage has surfaced of the moment US President Donald Trump appeared to flip off a heckler at a tour of a Ford F-150 assembly facility in Michigan.

Mr Trump was walking on the factory floor during his visit on Tuesday (local time), when he was heckled by a worker who appeared to shout “paedophile protector” at the US President.

In a video that was quick to circulate on social media, Mr Trump responds by pointing at the individual and appears to mouth “f... you” twice. He then walks away before flashing his middle finger in the heckler’s direction.

The White House Communications Director has defended Mr Trump’s actions, calling his bold response “appropriate”.

“A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” Steven Cheung told TMZ.

The workers’ comments could be a possible reference to the Trump administration’s handling of files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which the US Justice Department failed to release in full by the December 19 deadline.

The department says it needs more time to ensure victims’ identities are protected.

Mr Trump has consistently denied knowing about Epstein’s alleged abuse or involvement in sex trafficking and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

He has also dismissed the investigation as a “hoax” on several occasions.

The stop at the Michigan plant was intended to showcase the Trump administration’s backing of American manufacturing, a central focus as the 2026 election approaches.

Michigan remains a key battleground state, with domestic employment and industry forming the core of Mr Trump’s economic message.