Trump ‘flips the bird’ to autoworker at Michigan plant

US President Donald Trump raised his middle finger and appeared to curse at a factory worker at a Michigan auto factory who voiced criticism over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, video circulated online.

Entertainment website TMZ first published video of the exchange on Tuesday, and the White House did not dispute the video’s authenticity.

“A lunatic was in a full-blown rage, hurling profanities wildly, and the President responded appropriately and clearly,” White House spokesman Steven Cheung said in an email to Reuters. he said.

In the video, as Trump toured the Ford ‌F-150 assembly plant in Dearborn, a worker on the factory floor was seen yelling and making noises that sounded like “pedophile protector” as the president stood on an elevated walkway.

Trump turned toward the individual and appeared to respond profanely before making a gesture with his middle finger as he walked away.

Other Ford employees applauded and greeted the president as he toured the assembly line, taking photos and shaking hands with workers.

Trump has occasionally used profanity in public settings, often in response to criticism, confrontations, or to emphasize his point.

He has faced sustained scrutiny for his handling of sensitive federal records related to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in prison in 2019.

Many of Trump’s staunchest supporters believe the government is withholding documents that would reveal the late financier’s ties to powerful public figures.

He has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein’s alleged abuse and sex trafficking of girls and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Trump’s visit to the Michigan facility was part of an effort to highlight his administration’s support for U.S. manufacturing, a key theme as the 2026 election year approaches.

Michigan is seen as a politically important state, and local jobs and industry are at the center of Trump’s economic messages.