Brewing Company Sparks Outrage After Promising “Free Beer When Trump Dies”

A small Wisconsin brewery is under fire. It appeared to celebrate the future death of President Donald Trump, who is now serving his second term in office.

Minocqua Brewing Company has been known in the region for its aggressive left-wing branding. It ignited outrage on January 22. The company posted an announcement on Facebook promising “free beer, all day long, the day he dies.” The message ended with a taunt. “Show us this post when it happens in a few months. We’ll make good on that promise.”

The owner, activist-turned-brewer Kirk Bangstad, has a history of turning his taproom into a political stage. But this time, critics say he crossed a line.

Many Americans believed the post targeted President Trump directly. The President, now 79, remains active, healthy, and politically dominant. Even so, thousands of commenters expressed disgust that a business would openly promote a death-celebration event.

“Wishing death on a sitting president is sick,” one Wisconsin resident commented. “This is why moderates walk away from the left. There’s no basic humanity.”

Another follower begged the brewery to reconsider. “Careful what you’re saying. I love what you’re doing for progressive causes, but celebrating someone’s death with a product you sell? That’s not going to end well.”

Others voiced similar concerns, calling it “cruel,” “wild,” and “exactly what’s wrong with politics today.”

Bangstad refused to back off. Instead of apologizing, he mocked the outrage and began attacking reporters who contacted him for comment. Minocqua Brewing Company posted journalists’ email addresses and phone numbers online, urging supporters to “help him with his gotcha propaganda.”

In one Facebook message aimed at Fox News, the brewery wrote: “Who knew they’d still write this story? We mocked them. Keep it up, Fox. Sales are way up. We’ll pour even more free beer when his blood clot finally moves.”

The crude line shocked even some of the brewery’s loyal followers. But Bangstad continued posting, calling negative reviews “breakfast” and teasing that he had “more surprises waiting.”

Minocqua Brewing Company has spent years marketing itself not by its drinks, but by its disdain for conservatives. Bangstad has referred to the business as “a brewery for progressives.” He has launched beer labels attacking Republicans. The business sells anti-Trump merchandise and funds left-wing podcasts and political ventures.

In a January 26 update, the company admitted its activism had damaged sales. “We’ve been boycotted by distributors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois,” the brewery wrote. “We rely on a ragtag crew of supporters to self-distribute.”

But after national media picked up the story, Bangstad claimed sales spiked. He then launched a new line of Trump voodoo dolls. Some of these dolls are dressed in a faux prison-striped fabric. He also introduced an “eff ICE” hoodie. Profits from these items go to grow his political media projects.

Conservative commentators blasted the post as an example of the toxic rhetoric Democrats claim to oppose.

“Imagine the headlines if a conservative brewery said this about a Democrat president,” said Milwaukee radio host Dan Keller. “They’d be shut down by morning. But because it’s Trump, the far left treats it as a joke.”

A Wisconsin veteran wrote: “Disagree with the President all you want. Celebrate his policies failing. Debate his decisions. But praying for his death? That’s where you lose the country.”

Even some apolitical locals expressed disappointment. “Beer is supposed to bring people together,” one resident said. “Now it’s being used as a weapon.”

The controversy comes as rural and small-town political tensions continue to rise across the Midwest. President Trump remains overwhelmingly popular in Wisconsin’s northern counties. Many voters there say they’re tired of being mocked by left-leaning urban businesses.

Political analysts note that Minocqua Brewing Company has become a symbol of the broader culture war.

“This isn’t really about beer,” said University of Wisconsin political historian Dr. Allan Mercer. “It’s about a business intentionally branding itself around contempt for half the country. That strategy might sell merchandise online, but it also fuels resentment and division.”

For now, the company is basking in the spotlight. But its critics say the backlash is just beginning.

“Celebrate policy victories, not funerals,” one commenter said. “If this is what the left calls tolerance in 2026, they can keep it.”