Brewery That Promised Free Beer After Trump's Death Loses License

The saga of Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin has taken yet another dramatic turn. The brewery, which gained national notoriety in January for promising free beer on the day Donald Trump dies, is now facing the revocation of its alcohol permit. According to state officials and reports from People and other outlets on Thursday, the license is set to be revoked on August 4.

Owner Kirk Bangstad is a vocal progressive activist who has built his brand on liberal politics, selling Democratic-themed beer and merchandise while frequently criticizing Trump and Republicans. He has long claimed that his political stance makes his business a target in Wisconsin's conservative Northwoods region, and he sees the permit revocation as further proof.

Writing on the brewery's Substack, Bangstad defended the company, stating: "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."

The permit revocation follows a June raid at the brewery, during which state officials reportedly seized beer over allegations of illegal cross-state transportation. Bangstad blasted the state's actions, calling the violations "laughable" and noting that Wisconsin practically invented craft beer, yet its Department of Revenue is trying to shut down the state's most progressive brewery.

The controversy began in January when the brewery posted on Facebook that it would serve free beer "all day long, the day he dies," in an apparent reference to Trump. The company later leaned into the controversy by selling merchandise tied to the promotion. Earlier this year, FBI agents interviewed Bangstad after a social media post that seemed to reference an assassination attempt on Trump drew federal attention.

Despite the mounting pressure, Bangstad says he has no plans to back down, vowing to "fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail" and declaring that they'll have to pry him out of his taprooms before he stops selling beer to thirsty progressives. Whether this battle ends in court or elsewhere, the conflict between the brewery and state officials appears far from over.