Billings West High School senior Tyler Linfesty learned Thursday morning during first period that he had been selected for VIP treatment at President Donald J. Trump's rally at MetraPark.
Linfesty had applied for tickets to the rally earlier in the week. After earning VIP treatment, he went to tell his friends.
Fellow seniors Erik Hovland and Christian Dunlap were walking to class when Linfesty "approached us in the hallway looking pretty frantic, talking about how he gets the opportunity to get a picture with the president," Hovland said.

Tyler Linfesty, a senior at Billings West High School, talks about his attention on social media as "Plaid Shirt Guy" at the Donald Trump rally on Friday.
Linfesty reached out to the Trump campaign and told them he was planning on bringing friends. He said they told him they would save three seats for them.
Not long after Trump took the podium Thursday night at MetraPark, social media cued into Linfesty's puzzled facial expressions, visible just over Trump's right shoulder.
All three West seniors were ultimately asked to vacate their seats midway through the event by people they believe are Trump campaign staffers. By the end of the rally, the 17-year-olds achieved viral fame on social media.
"I didn't really have a plan," Linfesty said. "I was just going to clap for things I agreed with and not clap for things I didn't agree with."
Students at West have been shocked, but mostly positive in their reaction to seeing the trio on TV and all over the internet, where Linfesty has been dubbed "#plaidshirtguy."
A guy dressed in plaid lit the internet on fire with his less-than-enthusiastic reactions to President Trump's speech in Billings Thursday night.
"It's still hard for me to believe that people are recognizing me in the hallways as 'plaid shirt guy' now," Linfesty said.
The three have been friends since they met during speech and debate sophomore year. All three are interested in going to college next year. Hovland said he's interested in art. For Linfesty, his major academic interest is physics.
“I don’t think any of us had any idea we were going to be that big on TV, because whenever I see a Trump rally, you see Trump, you see hundreds of people behind him — that’s my experience at least," Linfesty said. "In this case, there were like seven people (on screen). I did not know that I was going to be that big.”
Some of the reaction on social media has been negative and Hovland said in addition to being referred to as "MAGA hat girl," he's seen accusations that the trio were paid actors, or looked like school shooters.

Billings West High School seniors, from left, Tyler Linfesty, Erik Hovland and Christian Dunlap talk about the attention they received on social media at the Donald Trump rally on Friday.
"I'm still pretty nervous about it because I don't want people to take one instance of me not being super enthusiastic at a Trump rally to define me as a person," Hovland said.
Though the group's lack of enthusiasm was evident at times, all three did clap at various points during Trump's speech.
Early on in the Trump rally, a Billings Gazette reporter saw staffers in the press pen looking at a photo in which Linfesty was circled.
Later Linfesty pinned a stylized rose emblem representing the Democratic Socialists of America to his right breast. The same group of staffers reviewed a photo of the emblem and searched online for more information. A short while later, Linfesty was removed.
"I saw this woman walking toward me on the left," he said. "She just said to me, 'I'm going to replace you.'"
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President Donald Trump gestures during a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
He said he recognized her as one of the staffers manning the VIP hand-shaking and photo opportunity.
He was escorted to a back room where police and Secret Service looked at his ID and then after about 10 minutes told him he could leave, Linfesty said. He said he didn't feel mistreated at all during the encounter with police and Secret Service.
"They treated me fine," he said. "They just told me not to come back."
A few minutes later another woman the trio believes is a campaign staffer replaced Hovland and Dunlap.
"She talked to me and she said like, 'OK, you can go now,'" Dunlap said. "And I was like 'What?' And then she said 'You can go join your friend.' So I grabbed my stuff and, like, shuffled out of there, and then they started smiling and waving, you know."
They were also escorted out of the arena by law enforcement and eventually shown the door.
Linfesty said he also had a picture taken by the Trump campaign before the rally while he was wearing the DSA rose and posing with the president. He has not seen the picture since, he said Friday. As a joke, he also gave a copy of the "Communist Manifesto" wrapped with an "Art of the Deal" cover to Secret Service in hopes of having the president sign it. Agents did not grant his request, and the president didn't sign the book, he said.
"I didn't do it because I'm a communist," Linfesty said. "I did it because I thought it was funny as a joke."
Dunlap said he had no part in the attempted signing of the book and only learned about it afterward.
Ultimately the group said they didn't want to pass on a rare opportunity to see the president.
"We just wanted to hear what he had to say," Hovland said.

Billings West High School seniors, from left, Tyler Linfesty, Erik Hovland and Christian Dunlap talk about the attention they received on social media at the Donald Trump rally on Friday, September 7, 2018.
“I don’t think we meant to make a joke of the rally or make fun of people there,” Dunlap said. “It wasn’t like we were making fun of Trump supporters.”
At the same time, they didn't want to misrepresent their views.
"They told us while we were sitting there, 'You guys have to keep clapping, you have to smile, you have to look enthusiastic,'" Linfesty said. "I had to be honest in my views."
Emails and calls to the campaign for comment were not immediately returned Friday.
Photos: President Trump visits Billings
Air Force One lands in Billings

Air Force One lands at Billings Logan International Airport carrying President Donald Trump Thursday, September 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Dave Dembek from Roundup stands in a concession line before the Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

A girl accepts a beach ball before the Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

A woman holds a sign in front of an American flag before the Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

A man wears a "United States Space Force" pin on his hat at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. President Donald Trump suggested a 'Space Force' as a sixth branch of the military to ensure American security in space.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly walks down the steps of Air Force One at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. He is traveling with President Donald Trump for a rally.
President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump waves before getting into his car after arriving at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. Trump is in Montana for a rally. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Trump, Daines, Gianforte

President Donald Trump waves as he walks off of Air Force One at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, with Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., second from right, and Rep Greg Gianforte, R-Mont. Trump is in Montana for a rally. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Trump walks off Air Force One

President Donald Trump, third from right, walks off of Air Force One at Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, with Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., second from right, and Rep Greg Gianforte, R-Mont. Trump is in Montana for a rally.
Daines, Gianforte, Trump

President Trump, Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., walk down the steps from Air Force One after landing in Billings for the rally.
President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines step out of Air Force One after landing in Billings for the rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Air Force One

Air Force One touches down at Billings Logan International Airport on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Air Force One

Air Force One taxis past airport fire trucks at Billings Logan International Airport on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte walk down the steps from Air Force One after landing in Billings for the rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Mark Poynter and his son Wesley

Mark Poynter and his son Wesley, 21 months, look at a photo of them taken with Air Force One at Billings Logan International Airport on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Poynter was invited to watch the arrival of President Donald Trump after he hosted a White House photographer at his Air B&B.
Air Force One

A pilot waits as Air Force One taxis at Billings Logan International Airport on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump steps out of Air Force One after landing in Billings for the rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte

U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte gets into the President's car after landing in Billings for the rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines gives a thumbs-up as he gets into the President's car after landing in Billings for the rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on September 6, 2018.
Air Force One

Air Force One sits on the tarmac at Billings Logan International Airport on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Trump, Fox

President Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, left, after arriving at Billings Logan International Airport Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly pauses during a prayer before the start of a rally with President Donald Trump in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly pauses during a prayer before the start of a rally with President Donald Trump in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump Motorcade

President Trump's motorcade travels down East Airport Road towards Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday.
Trump

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

People cheer as President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

People respond as President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

President Donald Trump arrives to speaks at a rally in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Trump

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, Mont., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump waves to the crowd after a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump points to the crowd after a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump waves to the crowd after a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump claps after a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump gestures at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump points to the crowd after a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Greg Gianforte walks onto the stage

U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte walks onto the stage as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
Matt Rosendale points to friends

Matt Rosendale points to friends as he walks on stage while President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
President Donald Trump's supporters

President Donald Trump's supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
A man unrolls banners

A man unrolls banners criticizing U.S. Sen. Jon Tester as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally. The Secret Service took the banners away.
Trump crowd

President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
Trump on stage

President Trump waves to supporters as he enters the Rimrock Auto Arena for Thursday's rally.
President Trump visits Billings

Rep. Greg Gianforte speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Sept. 6.
President Trump visits Billings

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines walks out at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
Bo Reichenbach leads the crowd

Bo Reichenbach leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Republican Senate candidate Matt Rosendale walks out at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday.
President Trump visits Billings

Supporters cheer as President Donald Trump interviews with Fox and Friends before a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Supporters cheer as President Donald Trump walks out at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump waves to supporters after interviewing with Fox and Friends before a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Republican Senate candidate Matt Rosendale speaks at a Make America Great Again rally as President Donald Trump looks on at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Supporters cheer at President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

Republican Senate candidate Matt Rosendale speaks at a Make America Great Again rally as President Donald Trump looks on at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

A supporter holds up a sign before the Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings in September.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump gestures during a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
President Trump visits Billings

President Donald Trump speaks at a Make America Great Again rally at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
A woman waves

A woman waves as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
A young man sleeps

A young man sleeps as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena for Thursday's rally.
Pledge of Allegiance

Trump supporters recite the Pledge of Allegiance as President Trump supporters fill the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark for Thursday's rally.
Trump arriving at DoubleTree

President Trump's motorcade arrives at the Billings DoubleTree by Hilton hotel after he spoke at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark on Thursday.
Trump arriving at DoubleTree

Police block off part of downtown as President Trump's motorcade arrives at the Billings DoubleTree by Hilton hotel after he spoke at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark last week.