The Minocqua Brewing Company, a Wisconsin brewery and taproom owned by Democrat Kirk Bangstad, is facing renewed criticism after posting on social media Saturday night that "we almost got #freebeerday" in reference to the foiled attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The post appeared hours after law enforcement stopped an individual from firing shots outside the ballroom where former President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were attending the event.
The brewery, which has built a brand around progressive merchandise and anti-Trump messaging, had previously promised to offer "free beer, all day long, the day he dies." Bangstad, who was the Democrat nominee for Wisconsin's 34th Assembly District in 2020 but lost the general election, declined comment through Fox News when reached Sunday.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices have largely remained silent on the Minocqua Brewing Company's post. The Wisconsin Democratic Party did not respond to requests for comment as of publication time. Bangstad has previously defended his rhetoric, telling Fox News in January that he welcomed celebrating Trump's "impending death" with a caveat that "no red hats allowed." The brewery sells merchandise featuring phrases like "I wish it was free beer day" and markets itself around pairing beer with activism.
What the Right Is Saying
Wisconsin Republicans and the Republican National Committee condemned the post. RNC spokesperson Delanie Bomar told Fox News Digital: "Wisconsin Democrats are so sick in the head that an attempted murder is funny to them." She called on all Wisconsin Democrats, including congressional candidate Rebecca Cooke, to immediately condemn the behavior.
Trump-backed House candidate Michael Alfonso posted on X that Bangstad's rhetoric represents normalization of political violence. "This brewery is owned by a man named Kirk Bangstad, and he's not just some random crazy guy," Alfonso wrote. He noted Bangstad's connections to current Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Francesca Hong and his previous employment of Cooke, who is running against Republican Derrick Van Orden.
What the Numbers Show
The Minocqua Brewing Company has operated as a politically active business for several years in Wisconsin. Bangstad founded the Minocqua Brewing Company super PAC, which targets Trump and Republicans. Additionally, Bangstad previously sued to keep Trump off Wisconsin ballots before the 2024 presidential election.
According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Bangstad was charged last year in a harassment case tied to a dispute with a local newspaper publisher. Wisconsin newspaper reporting indicated he entered a no-contest plea in a disorderly conduct case and was found guilty earlier this month.
The Bottom Line
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around political rhetoric in the aftermath of Saturday night's security scare at the WHCA dinner. Fox News reached out to Bangstad, the brewery, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party for additional comment. Cooke campaign also did not respond to requests for comment as of publication time. The incident comes amid broader national conversations about political violence and the language used by figures across the political spectrum.