President Donald Trump’s rallies — no matter where they occur across the country — have had their share of protesters, but normally those protesters are on the outskirts of the crowds, not standing directly behind the president of the United States during a televised event.
At his Billings, Montana, campaign-style rally on Thursday night, Trump spoke on a wide range of topics — but a man just over the president’s right shoulder stole the attention of many who were watching from home.
As the president spoke, the man, who was later identified as high school student Tyler Linfesty, made different faces, some just silly — while others were clearly in response to things that Trump had just said.
For example, when the commander-in-chief was explaining how winning the electoral college was different from winning the popular vote and required different strategies and planning, the “man in the plaid shirt” had responses ranging from incredulity (even appearing to mouth “what?” at one point) to simply laughing out loud.
After this had gone on for nearly an hour, a woman in a black dress walked up to him and took his place without any resistance.
This occurred shortly after Linfesty put a sticker on his lapel for the Democratic Socialists of America.
While it’s common for organizers and planners to vet those who will appear on TV and replace protesters and nonsupporters with campaign aids or supporters, that’s something that’s generally done before the speech begins, not almost an hour into it.
The incident went viral on Twitter as #plaidshirtguy, with many comments both positive and negative.
Hang on. Trump’s people made this guy move because of bad optics? How in the world do his supporters not see what’s happening? You can’t make someone move because they aren’t clapping and making funny faces. Kudos to #plaidshirtguy. https://t.co/VJ2ucOoB0D
— Matt Ritter (@Ritter_Matt) September 7, 2018
Omfg I'm in love with plaid shirt dude! He's an American hero – I hope there are a whole bunch of these ppl at every rally that do this.
I thought the dude in the front row was not impressed, but then he started clapping, my bad #plaidshirtguy https://t.co/UZJjl8J7MD
— Tracey Mercanti (@Cptn_Merc) September 7, 2018
Believe in something, even if that means trolling at a Tr/ump rally.#PlaidShirtGuy #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/96WHQXk2ir
— Ebony (@hey_ebie) September 7, 2018
This girl is shocked and mouths the words, "that's horrible" to #plaidshirtguy standing next to her!
Thank you @iamkatemoe for this! https://t.co/cwCLc2hUQG— Cranky Burger Guy (@CrankyBurgerGuy) September 7, 2018
Watching Trump rally. There’s a twerp in a plaid shirt standing behind POTUS that needs his ass removed.
— Steve DeWulf (@cbadwulf) September 7, 2018
Hey #plaidshirtguy how old are you and what's your relationship status?
My beautiful and bright college-age daughter is single right now and I really think you guys should meet.
Sincerely, #enomynous mom. pic.twitter.com/OM5uzYGS2O
— C.S. (@cs_4clo) September 7, 2018
Watching the @realDonaldTrump rally in Montana. (Don't ask why. I couldn't tell you.) The real MVP is #plaidshirtguy behind the podium who looks like he lost a bet and had to attend.
— erin chapin (@erinkchapin) September 7, 2018
Okay, I got a tad bit of a late start to the rally, but what's with the couple directly behind Trump? Is it me or does the guy in the plaid shirt seem incredibly unenthusiastic?
— Corey Lynn ??? (@CoreysDigs) September 7, 2018
In solidarity with Billings #plaidshirtguy who was escorted off the risers after wearing a @DemSocialists sticker for 20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/wNH08GzMU4
— Billings DSA (@Billings_DSA) September 7, 2018
???@Nike should send #PlaidShirtGuy some Lebron Soldiers pic.twitter.com/utx4Bitk9w
— COREYOGRAPHY (@djcoreycraig) September 7, 2018
Well, since his identity is out – #plaidshirtguy is NOT a member of Q or the Antifa, the by-product of a CIA thought experiment, paid by trump, paid by Soros, … He's a high school kid who was curious to see the pres in his hometown and didn't like what he heard. Imagine that! https://t.co/N7CARphB7l
— IndivisibleNOCO (@IndivisibleNOCO) September 7, 2018
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