The saga of Mike Lindell, the polarizing MyPillow founder and outspoken election conspiracy theorist, took a dramatic turn this week as a federal jury in Colorado found him liable for defaming a former Dominion Voting Systems executive. The verdict, handed down on June 16, 2025, marks another significant legal setback for Lindell, who has spent years promoting unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 presidential election and now faces mounting financial and reputational challenges.
The Defamation Verdict: What Happened
A federal jury in Denver, Colorado, ruled that Lindell must pay $2.3 million in damages to Eric Coomer, former security and product strategy director at Dominion Voting Systems. The jury found that Lindell’s repeated public statements—including calling Coomer a “traitor” and accusing him of participating in a plot to steal the 2020 election—were false and defamatory. These allegations were broadcast on Lindell’s online media platform, FrankSpeech, amplifying their reach and impact.
Coomer’s legal team argued that Lindell either knew his statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. They detailed how Coomer’s career and personal life were devastated by the accusations, which led to death threats and professional ostracism. During the trial, Coomer testified that he sought an apology, compensation, and the chance to restore his reputation. The jury’s decision to award him $2.3 million underscores the severity of the harm caused by Lindell’s rhetoric.
Lindell, for his part, denied wrongdoing and framed the lawsuit as an attack on his First Amendment rights. He vowed to appeal the verdict and continued to assert that the 2020 election was compromised, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. “I will not stop talking until we don’t have voting machines in this country,” Lindell told reporters outside the courthouse.
The Broader Legal Context
This case is just one chapter in Lindell’s ongoing legal battles. Dominion Voting Systems, the company at the center of many election conspiracy theories, has aggressively pursued defamation lawsuits against individuals and media outlets that spread false claims about its role in the 2020 election. Dominion previously secured a $787 million settlement from Fox News for airing similar false allegations and has pending litigation against other conservative outlets like Newsmax.
Lindell himself is also a defendant in a separate $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion, which is currently advancing in federal court in Washington, D.C.. In addition, Smartmatic, another voting technology company, has sued Lindell for defamation, and a federal judge previously sanctioned him for making “frivolous” claims against the firm.
Financial Fallout and Fundraising Efforts
The financial toll on Lindell has been steep. Once estimated to be worth around $60 million, Lindell now claims to be millions of dollars in debt, a situation he attributes to “cancel culture” and the loss of major retail partnerships for MyPillow products. In 2023, MyPillow auctioned off hundreds of pieces of company equipment, including forklifts, office desks, and cubicles, in an effort to raise cash as revenue plummeted.
Lindell has turned to crowdfunding and direct appeals to his supporters to help cover legal costs. He has raised about $362,000 so far through these efforts, but the $2.3 million judgment—on top of existing legal fees and other liabilities—poses a significant challenge. The breakdown of the jury’s award indicates that Lindell will personally owe Coomer $440,500, while his company, FrankSpeech, must pay $1.9 million.
Lindell’s legal troubles extend beyond defamation. In 2021, he offered a $5 million reward to anyone who could disprove his claims about 2020 election data. When a computer expert did just that, Lindell refused to pay, leading to an arbitration panel ordering him to honor the $5 million reward—adding to his mounting financial obligations.
Lindell’s Public Persona and Political Activism
Mike Lindell rose to national prominence as the “MyPillow Guy,” a charismatic pitchman whose infomercials made him a household name. However, his reputation shifted dramatically after the 2020 election, when he became a leading voice in the “Stop the Steal” movement. Lindell’s relentless promotion of election fraud conspiracies has alienated many former business partners and advertisers, but he has also cultivated a loyal following among supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Lindell’s activism has not been limited to online broadcasts and legal battles. He has attended political conventions, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where he continued to spread false claims about missing votes in the 2020 election. His willingness to challenge mainstream narratives—and the legal system itself—has made him a lightning rod for controversy.
The Impact on Dominion and Election Integrity
The legal victories for Dominion Voting Systems and its employees represent a broader pushback against election misinformation. Dominion’s lawsuits have resulted in significant financial penalties for those who spread false claims, sending a clear message about the consequences of undermining public trust in the electoral process. The company’s $787 million settlement with Fox News remains one of the largest defamation payouts in U.S. history.
For Eric Coomer, the verdict against Lindell is a measure of justice after years of harassment and professional harm. Coomer’s testimony highlighted the real-world consequences of conspiracy theories, including threats to his safety and the destruction of his career. His case is a reminder of the human cost of unfounded allegations in the age of viral misinformation.
What’s Next for Mike Lindell?
Despite the legal and financial setbacks, Lindell shows no signs of backing down. He has vowed to appeal the $2.3 million judgment and continues to promote his election fraud claims, even as his influence and resources dwindle. His ongoing litigation with Dominion and other companies suggests that more legal challenges lie ahead.
Lindell’s story is emblematic of the broader tensions in American politics and media. His rise from infomercial pitchman to election conspiracy theorist reflects the power of charismatic figures to shape public discourse—and the risks of spreading misinformation in a polarized society. As the legal system continues to hold Lindell and others accountable, the debate over free speech, accountability, and the integrity of American elections remains as urgent as ever.
Final Thoughts
The verdict against Mike Lindell is a watershed moment in the fight against election misinformation. It underscores the legal risks of spreading false claims and the real harm they can cause to individuals and institutions. For Lindell, the $2.3 million judgment is a significant blow, but his determination to keep fighting suggests that this saga is far from over. As the legal battles continue, the broader implications for free speech, corporate accountability, and the future of American democracy will remain at the forefront of public debate.
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