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Brewery That Vowed Free Beer On Trump’s Death Hit With License Revocation
A Wisconsin brewery that promised customers free beer on the day President Donald Trump dies is losing its alcohol permit. State officials confirmed Wednesday, July 29, that Minocqua Brewing Company’s license is scheduled to be revoked on August 4. However, the state action reportedly stems from allegations that beer was transported across state lines without the necessary permits, not directly from the brewery’s highly controversial remarks about the president.
Minocqua Brewing Company is owned by progressive activist Kirk Bangstad, who has frequently used the business to criticize Trump and other Republican politicians. Bangstad operates a liberal super PAC and sells what the brewery calls “progressive beer,” including products inspired by Democratic figures. He has repeatedly alleged that conservative opponents in Wisconsin’s Northwoods region have targeted his business because of its political activism.
“Our brewery is very popular among progressives throughout the Upper Midwest because we actively fight against right-wing authoritarianism and corruption. As a result of our political activism, we’ve been boycotted by beer distributors and major grocery chains,” Bangstad wrote on the company’s Substack account.
The license revocation follows a June raid during which state officials reportedly confiscated beer. Authorities alleged that the products had been transported across state lines without the required permits.
“Wisconsin practically invented the term ‘craft beer,’ yet Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue is trying to shut down the state’s most progressive brewery for violations that can only be described as laughable,” Bangstad wrote after learning about the revocation.
Brewery Says It Will Not Accept The Decision ‘Lying Down’
5Bangstad indicated that he plans to challenge what he characterized as “heavy-handed” enforcement by Wisconsin officials. “We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail,” he declared. “And once again, they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us.”
The owner has not backed away from his belief that the permit dispute is connected to the brewery’s political identity. “Regardless of who I think is behind this, attempting to shut down a brewery that has the largest social media following in the state, and that sells over $2 million dollars worth of beer and merchandise throughout the country, is anti-American and anti-Wisconsin,” Bangstad wrote on Substack.
State officials have not publicly attributed the revocation to Bangstad’s political views or the company’s anti-Trump posts.
Brewery Promised Free Beer On The Day Trump Dies
5Minocqua Brewing Company attracted national attention in January when it posted that customers would receive free drinks “all day long, the day he dies.” The message appeared to reference Trump without identifying him by name. “Show us this post when it happens in a few months, and we’ll make good on that promise,” the brewery added.
Bangstad’s company also sells shirts reading, “I Wish It Was Free Beer Day At Minocqua Brewing Company.” Other politically themed merchandise includes slogans such as “Vive La Resistance,” “Impeach, Convict, Remove” and “Protest is Patriotic.”
According to the company’s website, the merchandise business began after a conservative Wisconsin county board allegedly threatened the brewery with fines over a Biden campaign sign that officials deemed “too big.” The company claims it sold approximately $100,000 worth of its “snarky” progressive merchandise within one week and continued expanding the operation afterward.
FBI Interviewed Bangstad Over Controversial Social Media Post
5Bangstad’s rhetoric drew federal attention in April following an alleged assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. After an armed man allegedly targeting the president bypassed security and attempted to enter the ballroom, the brewery posted a message that federal authorities reportedly interpreted as a possible violent threat.
“Well, we almost got #freebeerday,” the post read. “Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle. We’ll never know.”
FBI agents subsequently interviewed Bangstad about the message. “The FBI and Secret Service together followed up on information received and conducted further investigative steps, which included a voluntary interview with the individual,” the agencies said in a joint statement at the time.
Bangstad and his legal team reportedly told agents that he had no intention or desire to harm Trump or Vice President JD Vance. They also denied that he was affiliated with any group promoting violence. After the interview, Bangstad allegedly shared a cellphone number belonging to one of the agents and encouraged his followers to call it.
Donald Trump Discussed Security After Third Assassination Attempt
5Trump addressed his security arrangements days after the April 25 shooting, during which a Secret Service agent was struck. When asked whether he might begin wearing a bulletproof vest, the president joked about the additional bulk.
“I don’t know if I can handle looking 20 pounds heavier,” Trump replied. “If you want to gain 20 to 25 pounds, get a West vest,” he added, apparently referring to protective equipment used by baseball umpires.
Trump was rushed away from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner during the incident. The Department of Justice identified the alleged suspect as Cole Tomas Allen.
