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By Aurax Desk | July 29, 2026 | 2 min read
A Wisconsin brewery known for its outspoken political activism is facing the revocation of its brewing permits following a state regulatory action. The development comes months after the brewery drew national attention for social media posts promising free beer upon the death of President Donald Trump, though state officials say the enforcement action stems from alleged alcohol regulatory violations.
The Minocqua Brewing Company plans to appeal the state's decision to revoke its brewing permits..
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has issued notices revoking brewer's permits for two Minocqua Brewing Company locations and an alcohol beverage warehouse permit for another facility, with the action scheduled to take effect on Aug. 4 unless successfully appealed. The department said the brewery may continue operating while pursuing an appeal. State officials said the enforcement action is based on alleged violations of Wisconsin alcohol laws, including claims that beer was transported into the state from Illinois without the required permits or payment of applicable taxes.
The brewery, owned by liberal activist Kirk Bangstad, attracted widespread attention earlier this year after publishing social media posts offering free beer on the day President Donald Trump dies. Following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by Trump, another post referenced the brewery's earlier promotion, drawing additional criticism and prompting scrutiny from federal law enforcement. Bangstad has denied that the state's licensing action is justified, arguing that the alleged regulatory violations do not warrant shutting down the business and pledging to challenge the decision through the appeals process.
Minocqua Brewing Company has frequently mixed political activism with its business operations, producing politically themed products and supporting progressive political causes through affiliated organizations. The case has drawn national attention because of the brewery's anti-Trump messaging, but Wisconsin officials have maintained that the permit revocation is related to enforcement of alcohol beverage regulations rather than the company's political views. The Department of Revenue has said it is required to apply state alcohol laws consistently to all permit holders.
Sources: Information from Fox News, The New York Post, Yahoo News, The Washington Times and Wisconsin Department of Revenue statements.