A brewery in the United States promised free beer when Trump died.

A Wisconsin-based brewery has been stripped of its state operating license after posting a controversial social media message promising free beer on the day former President Donald Trump dies. The decision came following an investigation by regulatory authorities, who cited violations of alcohol-related laws. The brewery, Minocqua Brewing Company, posted the message on social media, which read: “Free beer all day on the day he dies. Show us this post when that happens in a few months and we’ll fulfill the promise.” The statement quickly spread online, sparking thousands of negative comments and threats of boycotts. It also led to formal complaints being filed with local authorities. Several months later, after an attempted assassination of Trump, the brewery issued a new statement: “Here’s the thing, we almost got the #freebeerday. Either someone from the Resistance had to work on accuracy, or he lied about another attack to get positive media coverage. We will never know.” This response further fueled public debate and scrutiny. In addition to losing its operating license, the brewery was handed a financial penalty. Regulatory officials confirmed the revocation of the license through an urgent administrative process. They cited multiple violations of state laws regarding alcohol advertising and public safety standards. According to Wisconsin law, owners of liquor licenses must adhere strictly to promotional and advertising regulations. State officials emphasized that businesses holding liquor licenses are explicitly prohibited from organizing promotions that encourage violence, incite illegal activities, or disrupt public order. The Department of Financial Institutions, which oversees the Alcohol Division, stated that it is committed to enforcing state laws fairly and consistently. Officials noted their responsibility to ensure all license holders comply with current regulations. They added that appropriate measures are taken whenever these laws are violated. In addition to revoking the main license, the brewery was ordered to halt production and sales of alcoholic beverages immediately. The situation directly threatens the survival of the business. The owner of the brewery, Kirk Bangstad, a political activist, has vowed to fight against the decision. He claims the post was a satirical political comment protected under freedom of speech. “As you can imagine, I won’t let this slide,” he wrote on his Substack platform. “We will fight the state of Wisconsin with all our strength. They will have to kick me out of my own brewery before they stop selling beer to progressive voters who come here.” Bangstad believes he became a target solely because of his liberal views, which clash with the conservative voter base supporting the current administration. His stance highlights the broader tensions between political ideologies and the legal boundaries imposed by regulatory bodies. Legal representatives of the brewery argue that while the post may have been awkward, it did not directly incite violence or constitute a criminal offense. However, given the numerous attempts on Trump's life in recent years, authorities have zero tolerance for anything that could be interpreted as encouraging violence. Lawyers also point out that state agencies have broad authority over issuing liquor licenses. Courts regularly confirm the right of alcohol boards to set behavioral standards for businesses operating under state licenses. By revoking the license, the brewery is barred from brewing or selling beer during the appeal process. Such a scenario directly challenges the company’s viability.