Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a prominent figure in the world of election denial, is currently embroiled in a high-stakes defamation trial in Denver, Colorado. The trial, which began in early June 2025, centers on allegations brought by Dr. Eric Coomer, a former executive at Dominion Voting Systems. Coomer accuses Lindell of defaming him through a series of baseless claims and conspiracies related to the 2020 presidential election.
Dr. Coomer's lawsuit, filed in April 2022, is the first of three defamation cases against Lindell to reach trial. It alleges that Lindell disseminated numerous false statements and defamatory content accusing Coomer of interfering with the 2020 election. Lindell has been outspoken in his claims, labeling Coomer a "traitor to the United States" and a "criminal," accusations that have had severe personal consequences for Coomer.
The conspiracy theories targeting Coomer originated from right-wing podcaster Joe Oltmann, who claimed that Coomer, referred to as "Eric the Dominion guy," participated in an "antifa" call where he allegedly said, "Don’t worry about the election, Trump is not gonna win. I made fucking sure of that." However, Oltmann has not provided any recordings or credible evidence to support this claim. Coomer is also suing Oltmann, who is expected to testify during the trial.
On June 2, 2025, the day jury selection began, Lindell held a defiant news conference outside the federal courthouse in Denver. He declared the trial "about securing our elections" and called the case "a gateway to get rid of these machines and save our country." Lindell also announced plans to take the stand during the trial, stating in an interview with Rolling Stone, "Of course I’m gonna testify at my own trial! … I have nothing to hide. I am a former crack addict; I’ve always been open about that. I’ve always been open about everything! I’m as transparent as they come … So I have nothing to hide at this trial." His willingness to testify underscores the personal and financial stakes involved.
Throughout the trial, Lindell has maintained that he believed his claims were truthful. His attorney, Chris Kachouroff, told the court, "All Mike Lindell did was talk," and emphasized that evidence of a rigged election was immaterial to Lindell's defense. In videos presented to the jury on June 3, Lindell asserted that Coomer had participated in "the biggest crime this world has ever seen," further intensifying the case's controversial nature.
Meanwhile, Coomer testified on June 3, describing the profound impact of Lindell's accusations on his life. He recounted receiving credible death threats and being forced into hiding. "Ultimately it’s to try to regain some semblance of my life. I didn’t just lose my livelihood, I lost my life as a direct result of statements by Mr. Lindell accusing me of being a traitor," Coomer said. His testimony highlighted the human toll of the election fraud conspiracy theories that have spread widely in recent years.
The trial has also spotlighted concerns about courtroom conduct. On June 3, Lindell reportedly violated court orders by discussing the proceedings publicly. He appeared on Steve Bannon’s "War Room" podcast and posted numerous updates on his X account during court hours, actions that prompted a stern warning from District Court Judge Nina Wang. The judge expressed concern about the potential influence on witnesses and the jury, emphasizing the need to preserve a fair trial. Lindell's legal team assured the court that he would refrain from further interviews or live-tweeting during the trial.
Judge Wang’s reprimand underscored the broader challenges of managing high-profile cases in the digital age, where real-time communication can complicate courtroom decorum and fairness. Lindell’s posts during court hours often framed the trial as "the Trial of the Century," portraying himself as a martyr for election integrity and freedom of speech, while soliciting donations to support his legal battle.
Financial pressures have mounted for Lindell and MyPillow amid the ongoing legal battles. The company has suffered significant losses after major retailers dropped its products, and Lindell has been forced to rely on high-interest loans to cover expenses. Legal fees have also escalated, with one law firm seeking to withdraw from representing Lindell due to unpaid bills reportedly totaling millions of dollars. Lindell has publicly solicited donations to help cover these costs.
Adding to Lindell’s legal woes are two other defamation lawsuits filed by voting machine companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. Dominion’s suit, filed in February 2021 and seeking $1.3 billion in damages, has yet to reach trial, with deadlines extending into early 2026. Smartmatic’s case, filed in January 2022, remains entangled in document disclosure disputes. Furthermore, FedEx sued Lindell in April 2025 for $9 million in unpaid shipping costs, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has opened investigations into three nonprofit organizations with which Lindell is affiliated, probing potential violations of charity laws.
Despite these mounting challenges, Lindell remains defiant. His public appearances and media presence, including his own outlet LindellTV, continue to promote his election fraud claims and rally supporters. His interview with Steve Bannon outside the courthouse painted a picture of optimism, with Lindell describing the judge as "fair" and the jury as "amazing." He expressed hope that the trial would lead to widespread adoption of hand-counted paper ballots, asserting, "Everybody should want secure elections. I would never give up."
The trial, expected to conclude around June 10, 2025, is more than a legal proceeding; it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle over misinformation and accountability related to the 2020 election. It tests the limits of defamation law in addressing false claims that have shaken public trust in democratic institutions. For Lindell, the outcome could have profound implications for his personal reputation, financial future, and the broader discourse on election integrity in the United States.
