‘Answer to Prayer’: MyPillow CEO Wins Court Ruling

Mike Lindell mingles before a media event at Mar-a-Lago

A federal appeals court ruling found an arbitration panel wrongly awarded software developer Robert Zeidman a $5 million prize for his report dismissing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell's data as unrelated to the election. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the panel overstepped its authority by altering the contest terms regarding foreign interference in the 2020 election. The court has directed the lower court to vacate the award or take appropriate further action.

Mike Lindell attends CPAC 2024 in National Harbor

Judges James Loken, Lavenski Smith, and L. Steven Grasz stated that contract terms cannot be altered by the panel or the court. Loken stated, “Fair or not, agreed-to contract terms may not be modified by the panel or by this court.”

Mike Lindell at CPAC 2023 in National Harbor

Loken wrote, “We conclude that the panel effectively amended the unambiguous Challenge contract when it used extrinsic evidence to require that the data provided was packet capture data, thereby violating established principles of Minnesota contract law and our arbitration precedents.”

Mike Lindell speaks at Donald Trump’s rally

Brian Glasser, attorney for Zeidman, criticized the appellate court’s decision, noting that the arbitration ruling was unanimous—even from an arbitrator chosen by Lindell. He questioned the appeals court’s conclusions.

Mike Lindell at CPAC 2023 on March 4

Glasser said, “Your readers can judge for themselves if the Eight Circuit’s decision today is more persuasive, or rings in truth louder, than the unanimous contrary decision of three arbitrators who heard all the evidence, including one appointed by Mr. Lindell.”

Mike Lindell at Trumpettes Gala in Palm Beach

Lindell stated, “All I want to do is secure our elections — period.” He added, “This is vindication. This opens a door that no man can shut. I am so excited. I mean, this is an answer to prayer.”

Mike Lindell speaks to press before Trump

Lindell’s legal issues have stemmed from his election fraud claims, which have drawn ongoing scrutiny. A Colorado jury ordered him to pay $2.3 million to a Dominion employee for defamation, and lawsuits from Dominion and Smartmatic are ongoing.

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.