Wisconsin Dem’s bar laments ‘we almost got free beer day’ for Trump assassination
A Wisconsin brewery is facing fresh criticism after a social media post appeared to reference a recent security scare involving President Donald Trump.
The business, Minocqua Brewing Company, has long drawn attention for its political messaging, including a standing promise to give away free beer when Trump dies. Over the weekend, the brewery’s Facebook page posted a message suggesting “we almost got #freebeerday,” which many interpreted as a reaction to an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The post went on to speculate about the failed attack and included a remark about someone needing to “work on their marksmanship,” while also suggesting the situation might have been staged. It concluded by reiterating the brewery’s pledge to serve free drinks on the day Trump dies. It was not immediately clear who authored the message or how directly it was connected to the company’s owner.
Minocqua Brewing Company is run by Kirk Bangstad, a Democrat who previously ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly but lost in the 2020 general election. Bangstad has frequently used the brewery’s branding to promote progressive causes and criticize Trump and Republican figures. The company also sells merchandise with political slogans aligned with its messaging.
The renewed backlash comes after reports that Trump and first lady Melania Trump were escorted from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington after gunfire was reported outside the venue.
The brewery’s past statements have also attracted attention. Earlier this year, it promoted the idea of offering free beer all day when Trump dies, and Bangstad made comments about celebrating that moment, adding conditions about who would be welcome.
Bangstad has been involved in other controversies as well. According to Wisconsin Public Radio and local news outlets, he faced legal issues tied to a dispute with a newspaper publisher, eventually entering a no-contest plea in a disorderly conduct case and being found guilty.
The situation has also drawn political responses. Republican figures in Wisconsin criticized the rhetoric, arguing it contributes to a dangerous climate. A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee condemned the comments and called on Democrats in the state to respond.
Some Democratic candidates addressed the broader issue without naming Bangstad directly. Rebecca Cooke, who is running for Congress, said the language was unacceptable and emphasized opposition to political violence. She called for lowering tensions and focusing on solving community problems.
Francesca Hong’s campaign also responded, describing the post as inflammatory and reflective of a wider concern about people becoming desensitized to violent rhetoric in politics.
Republican campaign officials, however, argued that those responses were insufficient and urged Cooke to specifically denounce Bangstad by name, citing her past connection to him.
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