Wisconsin Revokes License of Progressive Brewery Behind Controversial ‘Free Beer’ Trump Promotion

A high-profile legal and political battle has erupted in Wisconsin as state regulators have officially revoked the liquor license of Minocqua Brewing Company, a well-known progressive establishment. The decision arrives months after the business made headlines for offering a controversial promotion promising free beer upon the passing of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

While state authorities cite regulatory non-compliance regarding distribution and taxation, the brewery’s outspoken owner, Kirk Bangstad, claims the enforcement action is a politically motivated attempt to silence his liberal brand.

The Controversy: From Political Branding to License Revocation Minocqua Brewing Company has long been recognized for integrating left-wing politics directly into its consumer product lines. The business features a lineup of #ProgressiveBeer themed around prominent Democratic and progressive figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The immediate source of friction, however, stems from a social media post published earlier this year. In it, the brewery promoted a #freebeerday offer tied to the death of Donald Trump, drawing widespread national attention and backlash from conservative groups.

Following the backlash, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages issued a formal revocation notice requiring the establishment to halt all alcohol sales.

State Regulatory Claims vs. Allegations of Political Bias According to state officials and reporting from local outlets, the legal justification for revoking the license centers on operational violations rather than political speech:

Illegal Transportation: Authorities allege the business transported and sold beer brewed in neighboring Illinois without securing the required Wisconsin distribution permits.

Tax Non-Compliance: The state claims the brewery failed to properly settle mandatory excise tax obligations tied to out-of-state production.

Bangstad, who acquired the business in 2016 with his late wife, Elizabeth Smith, strongly disputes the neutrality of the state's decision. Writing on his public Substack page, Bangstad alleged that commercial distributors and political opponents are conspiring to push his business out of Wisconsin. He emphasized his intention to contest the order through legal channels, stating he will not voluntarily shut down operations.

Political Dynamics in a Swing State The conflict underscores the intense political polarities within Wisconsin, a critical battleground state that backed Joe Biden in 2020 before swinging toward Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Despite the state's Democratic governor, Tony Evers, regulatory bodies operate under strict statutory frameworks, leading to sharp debate over whether the enforcement constitutes routine compliance oversight or political retaliation.

As legal proceedings unfold, Minocqua Brewing Company continues to rally support across its digital platforms, leveraging its 42,000 Instagram followers to maintain visibility while preparing its legal defense.

Key Takeaways Event: Wisconsin revokes the liquor license of Minocqua Brewing Company.

Official Reason: Transporting out-of-state beer without permits and failing to pay state excise taxes.

Owner's Stance: Claims targeted political persecution following controversial promotional campaigns.

Status: The owner plans to contest the ruling and resist immediate shutdown efforts.