LUSK and LARAMIE — As tens of thousands of people make signs and prepare “No Kings” protests of President Donald Trump in 2,500 cities across America — including at least 14 in Wyoming — it’s not on the radar for many folks in the politically reddest county of the reddest state.
“No Kings? What’s that?” asked Twila Barnett, a co-owner at Legends Bar & Grill on Main Street in Lusk.
Her memory was jogged when she Googled “No Kings,” then said it’s no wonder she and others in the seat of Niobrara County aren’t familiar with it.
That’s because Wyoming by percentage has supported Trump more than any other state in 2016, 2020 and 2024, while Niobrara County residents gave the president a little more than 90% of their votes in this past election.
That’s probably why there isn’t much of a No Kings effort here, laughed Shawna Glendy, also a co-owner of Legends.
“I don’t think that would be very well received here,” she said. “But, if it makes them happy, why not? They have that right, the First Amendment is good for everyone.
“But I don’t think it’ll do much to make a valid point here. But go for it. I mean, freedom of speech all day long.”
The movement may not be a thing in Niobrara County, but it’s on the radar 154 miles southwest in Laramie, the seat of Albany County, home to the University of Wyoming, and one of the few politically blue strongholds in the state.
UW alumni Kale and Atria Lundberg said they plan to attend the Laramie No Kings protest to push back against Trump, who they said is “taking absolute power” for himself and not “respecting the checks and balances” of government.
Laura Mcmennamin also said she’ll be at the Laramie event, and that it goes beyond just targeting Trump.
“I think they’re protesting mostly Congress’ inability to be an important part of our government,” she said. “I don’t think that they are controlling the power of the purse like they should be.”
University of Wyoming alumni Kale and Atira Lundberg said they plan to attend the Laramie No Kings protest to push back again Trump who they said is "taking absolute power" and not "respecting the checks and balances" of federal government. (Jackson Walker, Cowboy State Daily) 
Laura Mcmennamin also said she’ll be at the Laramie No Kings event, and that it goes beyond just targeting Trump. (Jackson Walker, Cowboy State Daily)
What’s It All About?
The No Kings movement is about all of the above, according to nokings.org.
Saturday’s coordinated protests are a reaction to Trump and his policies, in particular immigration reforms and actions that have mobilized the government in a massive crackdown on illegal immigrants.
“His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities,” according to the site. It’s also “threatening to overtake elections … (as well as) gutting healthcare, environmental protections and education when families need them most.”
That baffles Mark Fobaire, owner of Fobaire’s Diner in Lusk, who said the protests are basically sour grapes for years of Trump’s support and success.
“What are they protesting, really? I don’t know,” he said. “I mean, it's just like they don't want freedom and prosperity.
“Basically, they don't want any rules or laws. They want people to come into this country free and get free medical — and screw all the regular people. It just kind of, they're pretty liberal, way off in left field. They’re socialists.”
He also takes issue with the No Kings position on education, saying that’s already been appropriated by the left.
“They brainwash these kids to love this idea that the dream of free medical, free this, free that, and nothing is for free. The thing is, it's like they just want everything for nothing.
“I think society is just brainwashed by the liberal teachers and teaching the stupid liberal ideas that we need to be taking care of.”
‘Not Doing Their Jobs’
Chuck and Tia, a North Carolina couple on their way through Lusk on Friday, said they not only support the No Kings movement, they’re part of it.
They already have poster board and markers ready to make signs to participate in Saturday’s No Kings rally in Rapid City, South Dakota, said Tia, who declined to give her last name.
The couple is actually on their way to Custer State Park, but decided to hit the Rapid City protest as long as it was so close.
“Well, my big thing is that Congress is just rolling over and giving Trump whatever he wants,” she said. “They're not doing their jobs, which is to control the budget. I also don't like the infringement free speech. I don't like nasty, uniformed (immigration agents) grabbing people out of their houses. That just sounds like something out in the third world.
“I could go on, but I’m just going to get upset.”
'Pretty Dumb'
About 50 feet away, Drew Walters, 27, was walking down Main Street. He said he’s a “proud Republican” and thinks the protests are “pretty dumb.”
That’s for one glaring reason, he said.
“I mean, there is no king here,” Walters said. “It's one of those things where it’s like, ‘Everybody go out and protest just to protest.’ They call it ‘No Kings,’ but there hasn't been a king since 1776.”
He also pointed out the recent cease fire and release of hostages in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“They’re protesting what? I guess they don’t like peace in the Middle East, because now there's peace. ‘Oh, there's peace. Oh, who hates that?’” he said sarcastically.
Drew Walters, far left, walks down Main Street in Lusk, Wyoming, on Friday, Oct, 17, 2025, A "proud Republican," Walters said he doesn't agree with the No Kings protests. (Greg Johnson, Cowboy State Daily) 
Mark Fobaire, owner of Fobaire's Diner in Lusk, said the No Kings protesters are off base. (Greg Johnson, Cowboy State Daily)
Fighting Tyranny
Although she won’t be part of Saturday’s No Kings event in Laramie, Halie Molly said she believes it’s a critique of Trump and his second term.
"I think that they believe that they're protesting a tyrannical ruler, who is seizing control over the government," she said. "I think that they believe that Trump is no longer following democracy and is trying to make it a monarchy where he gets to decide whatever he wants."
The No Kings website shows a locator map indicating where known rallies are scheduled, which includes these Wyoming cities: Jackson, Lander, Casper, Douglas, Pinedale, Evanston, Rock Springs, Rawlins, Laramie, Torrington, Sheridan, Gillette, Worland, Cody.
Times and duration of the local events vary widely.
Greg Johnson can be reached at greg@cowboystatedaily.com and Jackson Walker can be reached at walker@cowboystatedaily.com.
