Challenges Faced by Mike Lindell: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Mike Lindell faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Michael James Lindell, known as the "My Pillow Guy," is an American businessman, political activist, and conspiracy theorist. He is the founder and CEO of My Pillow, a company that manufactures pillows, bedding, and slippers. Lindell is a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and has actively promoted conspiracy theories related to the 2020 United States presidential election. His continued promotion of these unproven claims has led to significant controversy and legal challenges for himself and his company. He has also been involved in efforts to overturn election results.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2009: Sobriety through Prayer

In 2009, Mike Lindell has said that he achieved sobriety through prayer after struggling with gambling and crack cocaine addictions.

2017: Better Business Bureau Revoked My Pillow Accreditation

In 2017, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) revoked the accreditation of My Pillow and lowered its rating to an F. This action was based on a pattern of consumer complaints related to a buy-one-get-one-free offer that was always available.

September 2020: Twitter implemented civic integrity policy

On January 25, 2021, Twitter permanently banned Lindell for perpetuating the unsubstantiated claim that Trump won the 2020 election. A Twitter spokesperson explained that Lindell violated the company's civic integrity policy implemented in September 2020 to fight disinformation.

December 2020: Dominion Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter

In December 2020, Dominion sent Mike Lindell a cease-and-desist letter, asking him to retract false claims about the company.

2020: Supported efforts to overturn election results

In 2020, After Trump's defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Lindell played a significant role in supporting and financing Trump's attempts to overturn the election result.

2020: Promoted Oleandrin as COVID-19 Treatment

In 2020, Lindell promoted the use of oleandrin, a cardiotoxic substance produced by oleanders, as a treatment for COVID-19, including arranging a meeting with President Trump.

2020: Supported Trump's attempts to overturn election results

In 2020, after Donald Trump's defeat in the U.S. presidential election, Lindell played a significant role in supporting and financing Trump's attempts to overturn the election result. He also spread disproven conspiracy theories about widespread electoral fraud during that election.

2020: Major retailers stopped carrying My Pillow products

In 2020, some major retailers stopped carrying My Pillow products. Lindell suggested this was a result of his claims relating to the 2020 United States presidential election results.

January 2021: Dominion Demands Retraction

In January 2021, Dominion again asked Lindell to retract his false claims, which he refused.

January 25, 2021: Permanently banned from Twitter

On January 25, 2021, Twitter permanently banned Lindell for perpetuating the unsubstantiated claim that Trump won the 2020 election.

February 22, 2021: Dominion Files Defamation Lawsuit

On February 22, 2021, Dominion filed a US$1.3 billion defamation lawsuit against Mike Lindell and My Pillow, alleging a defamatory marketing campaign.

March 2021: Lindell Announces Counter-Suit Against Dominion

In March 2021, Lindell announced on Steve Bannon's podcast that he would counter-sue Dominion for racketeering and election interference.

March 2021: Lindell Cites Safety Concerns

In March 2021, Mike Lindell stated that he was no longer living in Minnesota and was avoiding in-person events due to safety concerns.

April 19, 2021: Launch of Frank

On April 19, 2021, Lindell launched Frank on the domain frankspeech.com. The launch experienced many technical issues.

June 2021: Lindell Files Civil Suit Against Dominion and Smartmatic

In June 2021, Mike Lindell filed a civil suit against Dominion and Smartmatic. Subsequently, a law partner involved in the suit left their firm.

December 2021: Lindell's Lawsuit Against Daily Mail Dismissed

In December 2021, a federal court dismissed Lindell's libel suit against the Daily Mail.

2021: Major retailers stopped carrying My Pillow products

In 2021, some major retailers stopped carrying My Pillow products. Lindell suggested this was a result of his claims relating to the 2020 United States presidential election results.

January 2022: Smartmatic Sues Lindell for Defamation

In January 2022, Smartmatic sued Mike Lindell for defamation, seeking unspecified damages after his false claims reduced the company's value.

March 2022: Spending on Frank

In March 2022, Lindell told Insider he was spending over $1 million per month on Frank.

April 2022: Donation to Tina Peters' legal defense fund

In April 2022, Lindell's mention of his donating as much as $800,000 to a legal defense fund for Tina Peters, then a Republican candidate for Colorado Secretary of State, raised questions as such a donation would violate Colorado state law.

May 2022: Rejoined and was banned from Twitter

In May 2022, Lindell rejoined Twitter, circumventing a previous ban, but was quickly banned again for ban evasion.

May 2022: Court Dismisses Lindell's Claims

In May 2022, the federal court dismissed all claims by Lindell and MyPillow against Dominion, Smartmatic, and their legal representation, ruling Lindell liable for attorney's fees to Smartmatic.

September 13, 2022: FBI Seizes Lindell's Phone

On September 13, 2022, the FBI served a search and seizure warrant for Mike Lindell's phone while he was at a fast-food drive-through in Minnesota.

January 27, 2023: Lost RNC Chair Election

On January 27, 2023, Lindell lost the election for Chair of the Republican National Committee, receiving four of the 167 votes cast.

April 20, 2023: Arbitration Panel Orders Lindell to Pay $5 Million

On April 20, 2023, an arbitration panel ordered Mike Lindell to pay $5 million to Robert Zeidman, who disproved Lindell's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election data.

July 2023: MyPillow auctioned off equipment and subleased manufacturing space

In July 2023, MyPillow had auctioned off equipment and subleased some of their manufacturing space after more retailers, including Walmart and Slumberland Furniture, stopped retailing My Pillow products.

October 2023: Lindell's Legal Firm Withdraws Due to Unpaid Fees

In October 2023, Mike Lindell's legal firm stated in a court filing that he was millions of dollars in arrears and they could no longer afford to represent him.

February 21, 2024: Court Confirms Arbitration Award

On February 21, 2024, the United States District Court of the District of Minnesota confirmed the arbitration award, requiring Lindell to pay $5 million.