A Wisconsin brewery ignited controversy with a recent social media post hinting at a long-anticipated event. Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by Kirk Bangstad, posted “we almost got #freebeerday” following a security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, sparking immediate backlash.
The brewery’s promise of “free beer” hinges on the death of former President Donald Trump, a pledge Bangstad has publicly maintained for years. The post alluded to the foiled incident, suggesting either a failed attempt on Trump’s life or a manufactured crisis for political gain.
Bangstad, a former Democratic candidate for the Wisconsin State Assembly, has consistently used the brewery as a platform for political commentary and opposition to Trump and the Republican party. His brand blends craft beer with outspoken progressive activism.
This isn’t the first time the brewery’s pledge has drawn attention. Earlier this year, Minocqua Brewing openly offered free beer the day of Trump’s “impending death,” with a stipulation that supporters wearing red hats would not be welcome.
Beyond the controversial “free beer” promise, Bangstad’s history includes founding a Super PAC targeting Trump and Republicans, and even attempting to remove Trump’s name from the Wisconsin ballot prior to the 2024 election.
The recent post followed a security scare at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where shots were fired outside the ballroom during an event attended by Trump and his wife. The incident prompted a brief evacuation.
The brewery owner’s past extends beyond political statements. Reports indicate Bangstad faced legal challenges, including a harassment charge related to a dispute with a local newspaper publisher, and a no-contest plea in a disorderly conduct case.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from Wisconsin Republicans and the Republican National Committee, who are highlighting connections between Bangstad and prominent Democratic figures in the state. They accuse Wisconsin Democrats of normalizing dangerous rhetoric.
A House candidate backed by Trump pointed to Bangstad’s ties to several Democratic candidates currently running for office in Wisconsin, including a frontrunner for governor and a congressional candidate. These connections are fueling calls for condemnation from the Democratic party.
The controversy underscores the increasingly polarized political climate and the willingness of some to express extreme views, even in the context of potential tragedy. It raises questions about the boundaries of political expression and the responsibility of businesses in the public sphere.
