A Wisconsin brewery with a long history of mixing beer and hardline political activism is about to lose the license that lets it legally sell alcohol at all.

Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by progressive activist Kirk Bangstad, will have its state alcohol permit revoked August 4, according to Wisconsin's Department of Revenue. The move follows a June raid in which state officials seized canned beer from the company, alleging it had been shipped into Wisconsin from Illinois without proper permits or taxes paid.

In a statement, the state's Division of Alcohol Beverages said its role is to enforce alcohol regulations fairly and consistently, and that permit holders are required to follow all applicable state laws.

Bangstad Says He's Fighting Back

Bangstad, who's branded his business as the state's most progressive brewery, didn't take the news quietly. In a newsletter sent to supporters, he called the revocation heavy-handed and vowed to challenge it, telling followers the state would have to physically remove him from his own taproom before he'd stop pouring beer for what he described as thirsty progressives.

He's also asked supporters to contribute to a legal defense fund as he prepares to fight the decision in court.

An FBI Interview Adds Another Layer

The permit fight isn't happening in isolation. About three months before the revocation, FBI agents interviewed Bangstad over a social media post connected to an alleged assassination attempt targeting Trump following the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April.

Authorities say a man named Cole Allen attempted to force his way through a security checkpoint that night and fired a shotgun outside the ballroom where Trump and Cabinet members were gathered. In response, Bangstad posted a comment on the brewery's Facebook page referencing his brewery's long-running "free beer day" pledge — tied to a promise he'd made that beer would be free if Trump died — and questioning aloud whether the shooter had simply missed or staged the incident for media attention.

That post drew the FBI's attention directly. Video later shared by Bangstad shows agents questioning both him and his attorney about the comment, including whether he or anyone in his circle had any intention of harming Trump or Vice President JD Vance, or supported any groups with that goal. Bangstad and his attorney told investigators he had no such plans, no such wishes, and no ties to any group advocating violence against either official.

Part Of A Longer Pattern

None of this is new territory for Bangstad. He's built a public profile around blending his brewery business with outspoken political activism, regularly using his platform to criticize Trump and other Republican figures. His clash with Wisconsin regulators over the brewery's permit is just the latest chapter in a broader, years-long dispute that's played out across courtrooms, government offices, and public statements.

With the August 4 deadline now approaching, Bangstad says he intends to formally challenge the permit revocation in court, setting up what could become a prolonged legal fight between the brewery and state regulators.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.