A car factory who was suspended from his job after heckling US President Donald Trump has generated more than $US800,000 ($1.19 million) in donations in less than 24 hours.

Thomas (TJ) Sabula, 40, admitted it was him who was filmed shouting “paedophile protector” at Trump as the President toured a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday.

The statement was in relation to Trump’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the President’s handling of sensitive federal files relating to him.

In response, Trump – who was walking along an elevated platform in the factory – pointed in Sabula’s direction and appeared to yell down “f— you”. He continued walking, then turned once more and raised his middle finger at the heckler.

Sabula – a line worker and member of the United Auto Workers Union – said he was suspended from his job, although he said he did not regret exercising his right to free speech.

“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” he said.

“I don’t feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity,” he told The Washington Post.

“Today I think I did that.”

Sabula’s suspension triggered two fundraising drives on GoFundMe, which accumulated more than $US800,000 between them before donations were paused with a message from Sabula.

“We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organisations to support. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!

One GoFundMe campaign was titled “TJ Sabula is a patriot” and had drawn $US480, 935 ($720,194). The second had raised $US329,885 ($493,998).

One GoFundMe blurb said Sabula was a husband, father of two young children and a proud member of the United Auto Workers union.

White House spokesman Steven Cheung called Sabula a “lunatic” and accused him of “wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage”.

“The President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.”

Sabula has reportedly been supported by his representative in Congress, progressive Democrat Rashida Tlaib, who called him a “national hero”.

“The President is, in fact, protecting paedophiles. Don’t come to my district and expect a warm welcome. Detroit will always speak truth to power,” Tlaib said.

A spokesperson for Ford told TMZ the company had seen the clip.

“One of our core values is respect and we don’t condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities,” they said.

“When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we don’t get into specific personnel matters.”

Other Ford employees reportedly cheered and welcomed Trump as he toured the assembly line, taking photos with workers and shaking hands.

Michigan is seen as a politically important state, and domestic jobs and industry have been central to Trump’s economic messaging as the 2026 election year begins.

Trump ­– who has repeated denied knowledge of Epstein’s alleged abuse and sex trafficking ­– has occasionally used profanity in public settings, often in response to criticism, confrontation or to emphasise his point.

­–with AAP