A pair of fundraisers for the Michigan autoworker who drew expletives from President Trump by accusing of him of covering for child sex abuse collected more than $450,000 overnight.
Trump appeared to raise his middle finger and repeatedly say “f–k you!’ to worker TJ Sabula at a Ford-150 plant in Dearborn Tuesday when the union man called him a “pedophile protector” during a presidential visit to offer assurances about the nation’s economy.
Sabula’s accusation changed the focus to the Justice Department’s continued delays in releasing files regarding its long-running investigation of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The accused human trafficker shared a friendly relationship with Trump, who told New York Magazine in 2002 Epstein was a “terrific guy” who enjoyed the company of women on “the younger side” and was fun to be around.
Trump promised transparency with regards to the Epstein investigation, but has alienated even loyal supporters with his actions on the matter. He’s denied wrongdoing.
One GoFundMe page for the Michigan man, who was suspended from his job after publicly criticizing Trump, is labeled “TJ Sabula is a Patriot!!”
It collected nearly $315,000 by noon Wednesday.
A second fundraiser established by a “friend of the Sabula family” raised $150,000 by noon Wednesday.
Sabula told the Washington Post he has no regrets, despite being suspended from his job pending an investigation.
“I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity,” said the married father of two.
The Detroit Free Press said the White House called Trump’s response “appropriate.”
