Sun Country Airlines entered the presidential discussion after a Trump rally was held at its hangar at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Sunday.

An online backlash included threats to boycott the Mendota Heights-based airline. But Sun Country insists it was not making a political statement or endorsing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

"Sun Country Airlines supports the American political process. We have many employees with varying political opinions, but as a company made up of many people, we are firmly APOLITICAL!" the company said in a statement. "We welcome all candidates, from all political parties, and if we can make our facility available, we are happy to do so. … It's the American way."

The company went on to say its only comment "regarding the upcoming election is to encourage all to vote."

When asked if the Trump campaign paid to use the hangar, company spokeswoman Kelsey Dodson-Smith directed questions to the Trump campaign.

"We welcome all political parties coming to Minnesota and including all of our fellow Minnesotans in this very necessary and open election process," the company said in the statement.

More than 5,000 supporters crammed into the Sun Country hangar with thousands more standing outside to hear Trump speak Sunday afternoon.

Kristen Leigh Painter • 612-673-4767