BOZEMAN — The jubilation began well before Donald Trump took the stage in Bozeman on Friday evening. Erica and Nicholas Tinker arrived at the rally from Billings first thing Friday morning. They wanted to be sure to get a spot.
"All I care about is Trump," Erica Tinker said. "I know God has his hand on him." Trump’s first rally in Montana since 2018 saw a surge of fans descend on the Montana State University campus, creating a scene that felt more like a festival or a rock concert than a political event.
Fervent supporters in Trump T-shirts, hats and jackets mingled for hours before lines formed outside of Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The campaign stop was intended to give first-time GOP candidate Tim Sheehy a bump in his bid for the U.S.
Senate over Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, but Trump was clearly the main draw. The Tinkers are confident that Trump will win this election, feeling even more optimistic after the attempted assassination on July 13.
Many who spoke with reporters on Friday said they were angered by the assassination attempt — nearly all suggested Trump survived through divine intervention. A scene from outside the Donald Trump rally at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman on Friday. "So many people have realized it happened for reason," Erica Tinker said.
"I believe he continues to point people to the Lord Almighty." Lori Velasquez of Bozeman, 60, who bought a whole new outfit at Goodwill so she could dress in the right colors for the rally, said.