Are Sarah Palin & Donald Trump Friends?

America's favorite Alaskan is back for more at the dinner table of U.S. presidential elections. Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and Republican vice-presidential nominee during the 2008 election, isn't running for office, though. At an Iowa State University rally on Tuesday Palin endorsed GOP frontrunner candidate Donald Trump. But are Sarah Palin and Donald Trump friends?

The two appeared something akin to chums at the political campaign rally, which took place less than two weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Palin announced to attendees that she was there to "support the next president of the United States." The former VP nominee also asserted that it's been Trump's willingness to go "rogue left and right" — a strategy Palin knows all about — that has brought him such success on the campaign trail so far.

As for Trump, the billionaire took the event as an opportunity to put a definitive label on his relationship with former governor Palin. In a statement of gratitude for Palin's endorsement, Trump took their friend status from unknown to confirmed.

I am greatly honored to receive Sarah's endorsement. She is a friend, and a high-quality person whom I have great respect for. I am proud to have her support.

It should be noted, however, that Trump has called a whole lot of people his friends. Like loads of folks, actually. Trump went after every person of the Islamic faith around the globe by suggesting an immigration ban on all Muslims, then allayed the public's concerns by explaining what his "Muslim friends" thought of the plan. So how are you supposed to know if Palin and Trump are for-real friends or just public sphere pals?

During the former Alaska governor's "One Nation" bus tour across the country in 2011, Trump and his wife, Melania, took Palin out for a slice of pizza at Times Square eatery Famous Famiglia Pizza. On the one hand, going out for a solid pepperoni pie is most definitely something you would do with one of your besties. On the other hand, the two used cutlery while eating their slices. If you can't eat pizza like a slob in front of a true pal, who can you be your pizza-inhaling self with?

Palin and Trump also have mutual friends, making their own buddy status more believable. Michael Glassner, Trump's national political director, was chief of staff for Palin's political action committee.

There's one thing that would really seal the deal for those suspicious the Trump/Palin friendship is not the most authentic: a verbal confirmation from Palin herself. Trump has on several occasions called The New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady a friend, and the world got the truth from the source himself when Brady referred to the Donald as "a good friend of [his]." And while Brady hasn't come out with an official endorsement for a Trump presidency, there's no denying the pair's friend status is real, since Brady said he'd pretty much have Trump's back no matter the situation.

"I support all my friends in everything they do," Brady said in December. Now that's a true friend.