Story perspectives

Wisconsin Brewer Fined $500K Over Trump Death Merchandise

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minocqua Brewing Company sold “free beer” merchandise celebrating President Donald Trump’s death.
Owner Kirk Bangstad posted on Facebook that he was disappointed Trump survived the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting attempt, prompting Wisconsin Republicans and the Republican National Committee to condemn the remarks.
Bangstad, a former Democratic candidate who runs a Super PAC, entered a no-contest plea to harassment charges and was hit with a civil defamation judgment exceeding $500,000.

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Story summary

Minocqua Brewing Company sold “free beer” merchandise celebrating President Donald Trump’s death.
Owner Kirk Bangstad posted on Facebook that he was disappointed Trump survived the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting attempt, prompting Wisconsin Republicans and the Republican National Committee to condemn the remarks.
Bangstad, a former Democratic candidate who runs a Super PAC, entered a no-contest plea to harassment charges and was hit with a civil defamation judgment exceeding $500,000.