Obscene gesture during Michigan factory visit sparks fresh controversy
January 14, 2026: US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after he was caught on camera making an obscene gesture toward a heckler during a visit to an auto plant in Michigan on Tuesday. The incident took place at a Ford F-150 factory in Detroit, where Trump was touring the facility from an elevated walkway. Video footage circulating widely on social media shows the president pointing at an individual on the factory floor, appearing visibly annoyed before raising his middle finger and seemingly mouthing profanities.
According to reports, the heckler, whose identity remains unknown, could be heard shouting insults, including “pedophile protector,” before Trump reacted. The clip was first reported by TMZ and quickly went viral. The White House defended the president’s conduct, with spokesperson Steven Cheung stating that Trump’s response was appropriate given what he described as aggressive and abusive behaviour by the individual in the crowd.
The episode comes at a time when Trump’s second term continues to face scrutiny over the delayed release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Trump approved bipartisan legislation to make the documents public, the Justice Department has missed deadlines, citing the need to review millions of pages. The ongoing controversy has kept the Epstein case in the spotlight, adding to the political pressure surrounding the president.