Mike Lindell's Election Defamation Fines Exceed Original Judgment
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has accrued over $56,000 in daily court fines for not paying a defamation judgment against Smartmatic USA.
Mike Lindell, the MyPillow chief and Donald Trump’s endorsed contender for Minnesota governor, was ordered to remit $56,369 to voting-machine maker Smartmatic USA after a defamation ruling earlier this year. After refusing to pay, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols held him in contempt and levied a $500 daily fine beginning April 7, which has now surpassed the original amount, reaching roughly $56,500. Lindell also was found liable in June 2025 for slandering a former Dominion Voting Systems employee.
He warned the court he lacks the funds, yet his campaign has spent $187,000 on book purchases and other legal costs. Failure to satisfy the Smartmatic judgment by August 21 could trigger additional sanctions, and the penalty is not eligible for a presidential pardon. The Daily Beast has sought comment on whether Lindell intends to settle the fines.
Why it matters
The story shows how a high-profile political candidate is being penalized for spreading false election claims.
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