Kirk Bangstad, the owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, is facing renewed backlash after controversial social media posts reportedly referencing Donald Trump's death alongside a promised beer promotion resurfaced as he moves forward with a campaign for Wisconsin governor.
The brewery's messaging, including the phrase 'Free beer, all day long, the day he dies', has drawn criticism online and reignited debate over the intersection of politics, business branding and public conduct.
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment as Bangstad attempts to secure ballot access in a competitive political landscape.
The backlash centres on a series ofFacebook postsattributed to Minocqua Brewing Company, a business owned by Bangstad. One post stated 'Free beer, all day long, the day he dies', purportedly referring to Donald Trump. The message was part of a wider pattern of politically charged commentary published by the brewery on social media.
Additional posts from the same account included similar promotional language tied to political figures, including references to Rudy Giuliani in a separate buy-one-get-one beer offer. The tone and timing of the posts led to widespread circulation online, with screenshots shared across social media platforms and news discussions amplifying attention on the brewery.
The posts prompted strong reactions from users online, with criticism focused on the appropriateness of linking alcohol promotions to the death of public figures.
Some commenters described the messaging as offensive, while others accused the brewery of deliberately using shock value to generate engagement.
At the same time, supporters of the brewery defended the posts as political satire and free expression.The polarised response quickly turned the issue into a broader debate about the boundaries of political commentary in business branding, particularly for companies with outspoken public profiles.
The controversy has also drawn attention beyond social media, with some users expressing concern about the tone of the posts and tagging law enforcement agencies in online discussions. The reaction highlights the extent to which the messaging has resonated across different audiences.
The backlash is unfolding alongside Bangstad's efforts to enter Wisconsin's gubernatorial race. According tohis campaign announcements, he has been seeking approximately 2,000 signatures to secure a place on the ballot, with a limited timeframe to meet state requirements.
Source: International Business Times UK
