Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is the subject of media speculation over a possible endorsement of former President Donald Trump during his visit to South Dakota on Friday for a rally with the state Republican Party.

On Friday, Trump and Noem will attend the South Dakota Republican Party’s Monumental Leaders rally as special guests at the Monument in Rapid City.

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“Our Monumental Leaders rally just got 45 times better as we look forward to hearing from the original America First leader, President Donald Trump,” state GOP Chairman John Wiik said in a press release announcing the addition. “President Trump accomplished so much for our country during his time in office. As the leading presidential candidate, he can inspire our Republican Party to even greater heights.”

Trump hasn’t been to the state since delivering remarks there ahead of Independence Day in 2020. South Dakota is reliably red and isn’t a typical campaign stop for Republican candidates. Further, the state’s entire Senate delegation has endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), something that might deter a visit of this nature — unless, of course, Trump has another reason to attend.

Rumors started Thursday night about alleged plans for Noem to endorse Trump at the event. A representative for Noem didn’t confirm plans to endorse the former president but encouraged the Washington Examiner to watch the event.

Trump’s campaign didn’t provide comment to the Washington Examiner on the reports.

Noem has held out on offering any candidate her seal of approval in the 2024 contest but noted there isn’t a “path for victory” for anyone other than Trump. At one point, she was considering a presidential run of her own but opted against it, according to a source with knowledge.

Now, the South Dakota governor maintains a close relationship with Trump, talking with him on the phone frequently. This relationship blossomed in 2020 when then-President Trump assisted her with the return of fireworks to Mount Rushmore for a Fourth of July celebration.

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Sources close to the president have indicated that a possible running mate is not on Trump’s list of priorities — he’s dealing with indictments in four different cases, the schedules for which coincide with important dates in the 2024 primary campaign — but they said Noem would be included in a list of picks.

As for the South Dakota governor, she said she would consider an offer of that nature from Trump. “I will tell you that, of course, I would consider it,” she said last month. “I think everybody should consider it. Our country is breaking in front of our very eyes today, and everybody should be part of putting it back on its foundation.”