U.S. News
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s Tearful Testimony: ‘I’m in Ruins’ Over Smartmatic Sanctions
By Jake Beardslee · April 17, 2025
Lindell Says He Can’t Pay Court-Ordered Sanctions
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a high-profile election denier, appeared in court in tears as he informed a federal judge that he is financially “destitute” and cannot afford to pay more than $50,000 in sanctions owed to voting software firm Smartmatic. The penalty was issued over what the court described as “frivolous” claims of election fraud, Newsweek reported. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
“I’m in Ruins,” Lindell Tells Judge in Zoom Hearing
"I'm in ruins," Lindell said during a motion hearing via Zoom on Wednesday, pleading with U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols to delay the payment until after the final judgment in the defamation case. He has already lost the case. Sora Shimazaki / Pexels
Smartmatic Seeks Contempt Ruling Over Unpaid $56K Penalty
Smartmatic filed a motion last month seeking to hold Lindell in contempt for failing to pay the $56,369 penalty, alleging he has avoided the obligation for months. Lindell argued that he lacks the financial means to pay due to what he described as “lawfare” against him, claiming he’s been targeted for attempting to “secure the election.” Jared Holt / Wikimedia
Lindell: “Nobody Will Lend Me Any Money Anymore”
“I borrowed everything I can. Nobody will lend me any money anymore,” Lindell said. “I can’t turn back time ... but I will tell you, I don’t have any money.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Lindell Cites Layoffs, Warehouse Losses, and IRS Debt
He described widespread financial collapse: laying off hundreds of MyPillow employees, losing multiple warehouses, and owing millions to the IRS due to COVID-era tax complications. He now claims his only remaining assets are two houses—currently being liquidated—and a truck. Tony Webster / Wikimedia
Monthly Payment Plan No Longer Feasible, Lindell Says
Lindell also alleged he can no longer afford a previously proposed plan to pay Smartmatic in $5,000 monthly installments. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Judge Orders Lindell to Submit Financial Records by Friday
Judge Nichols acknowledged Lindell’s claims but said they are “non-verifiable representation” and ordered Lindell to submit sealed financial statements and documentation by Friday to support his case. United States District Court for the District of Columbia / Wikimedia
“I Have Nothing to Hide,” Lindell Says of Finances
Lindell agreed to comply with the judge’s request for financial documentation, stating, “I have nothing to hide,” and emphasizing that he also wants Smartmatic to see the extent of his financial distress. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Trump Praises Lindell at CPAC
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in February, Donald Trump offered a defense of Mike Lindell, stating, according to Newsweek, “He’s a great guy. They went after him, it was just terrible. This was a vicious weaponization of your government. But he’s all, I’ll tell you, he stood up, he’s all man. He stood up, he stood up strong, and nothing was going to phase him.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia