Staff Reports
A Kings County farmer has turned his safflower field into a massive tribute to President Trump, demonstrating the kind of grassroots political enthusiasm that resonates deeply within conservative circles. Ralph Gilkey of Gilkey Farm Inc. has crafted an impressive installation: a gigantic Trump sign stretching a mile wide and half a mile high. Clearly, Gilkey is no stranger to bold proclamations, and this agricultural display is a testament to both his creative spirit and unwavering support for the former president.
Despite the overwhelming dominance of liberal ideologies in California’s major urban centers, pockets of conservative fervor remain strong in the state’s rural regions. In fact, Kings County, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, went for Trump by a healthy 12-point margin in the 2020 election. This stark contrast to the blue waves associated with cities illustrates that rural voters often cling to traditional values and prefer candidates who reflect their desire for limited government and personal freedom.
Ralph Gilkey, of Gilkey Farm Inc, created a huge Trump sign in his Kings County, California field!
It’s a mile long by half-mile wide.
An aerial drone captured the giant image.
Amazing! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qHjDm0F7RN
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) August 10, 2024
This phenomenon can be seen across the nation, where rural areas consistently express a preference for conservative leadership. Whether in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska or small towns in the heartland, the evidence reveals a clear trend: Americans in these communities value self-reliance and are less tolerant of government overreach. It’s not surprising, then, that rural Americans find themselves gravitating towards states like Texas and Florida, where their beliefs can thrive in a supportive environment while more progressive citizens migrate to metropolitan hubs.
Gilkey’s massive Trump sign was not just an artistic endeavor; it was also a therapeutic project for his son, who recently emerged from a serious accident that resulted in severe brain trauma. Throughout the labor of laying out this enormous tribute, the bond between father and son is evident, signifying not only a commitment to Trump but also to family resilience. With the son now enjoying newfound happiness, including marriage and fatherhood, this story exemplifies the kind of fortitude that characterizes many families in the agricultural community.
Farming may not be the easiest path, but it prepares individuals for the trials of life. Gilkey embodies the tough resilience stereotype of those who work the land. This kind of dedication to both one’s family and political beliefs serves as a reminder that there are countless determined conservatives, like Ralph Gilkey, who are not afraid to go big and bold in their support for the values they hold dear. As political divisions continue to deepen across the nation, farming families remain a reassuring constant in the conservative backbone of America.
