Mike Lindell Defends 2020 Claims in Defamation Trial \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mike Lindell testified in a defamation trial over his 2020 election fraud claims, insisting he never knowingly lied about Dominion’s Eric Coomer. Coomer says Lindell’s statements ruined his life and career. Lindell maintains his belief in widespread fraud and frames the lawsuit as an attack on free speech.
Quick Looks
- Lindell testifies in trial over 2020 election conspiracy statements.
- Denies knowingly lying about Dominion’s Eric Coomer.
- Claims he only learned of some accusations during trial.
- Coomer says Lindell’s rhetoric devastated his life and reputation.
- Lindell claims he’s now bankrupt due to speaking out.
- Judge and attorneys repeatedly cautioned Lindell to stay focused.
- Coomer seeks apology and damages to repair his public image.
- Lindell’s defense argues Coomer’s reputation was already damaged.
Deep Look
Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow and one of the most high-profile promoters of false claims about the 2020 presidential election, took the stand Monday in a defamation trial over statements he made about Eric Coomer, a former Dominion Voting Systems executive. Despite extensive evidence refuting widespread fraud in the election, Lindell continued to defend his controversial views and denied any malicious intent in referencing Coomer.
Coomer, who formerly served as director of product strategy and security for Dominion Voting Systems, claims that Lindell helped spread baseless conspiracy theories that destroyed his personal and professional life. Lindell’s remarks, including labeling Coomer “a part of the biggest crime this world has ever seen,” are central to the defamation case.
In his testimony in federal court in Denver, Lindell attempted to distance himself from some of the more specific allegations, including a story shared by a conservative podcaster at Lindell’s 2021 election fraud symposium, which accused Coomer of directly manipulating election outcomes. Lindell claimed he wasn’t aware of the story until it came up in court and said it wasn’t part of his own claims.
Yet, during often rambling and combative testimony, Lindell said he stood by his beliefs that the 2020 election was stolen and that electronic voting machines should be eliminated. “I believe what you did to me and MyPillow was criminal,” Lindell told Coomer’s attorney, Charles Cain, while accusing his opponents of engaging in “lawfare” — using lawsuits to intimidate or silence dissenters.
Lindell’s persistence in promoting disproven election claims has come at a high cost. He testified that his personal wealth has plummeted from $60 million to $0, and he is now $10 million in debt due to lost business and mounting legal bills.
The trial adds to a series of high-profile defamation cases tied to false election claims. Media outlets such as Fox News, Newsmax, and One America News have already faced massive settlements over false narratives involving voting machine companies. In 2021, Newsmax issued a public apology to Coomer, acknowledging its reporting had been inaccurate.
Coomer testified that Lindell’s statements were especially damaging, including a May 9, 2021, appearance where Lindell described Coomer’s actions as “treason.” Coomer said the remarks amplified threats, ruined his career, and led to him living in fear. He is seeking an apology, compensation, and a path to restore his public image.
In court, Lindell insisted, “I never said Eric Coomer rigged the election,” but continued to argue that Coomer’s role at Dominion made him a valid subject of public scrutiny. Lindell further claimed that Coomer’s involvement led to Newsmax barring Lindell from airing his views on their platform, a decision Lindell suggested stemmed from Coomer’s influence.
Coomer’s attorneys presented evidence showing how conspiracy theories led to death threats, harassment, and career ruin, asserting that Lindell’s platform FrankSpeech amplified the harm. Lindell often veered off-topic in his responses, prompting repeated reminders from U.S. District Judge Nina Wang and opposing counsel to answer questions directly.
Lindell’s legal team attempted to deflect blame, arguing Coomer’s reputation was already damaged due to Facebook posts mocking Donald Trump, which Coomer admitted were “hyperbolic” and regrettable. “Your reputation was shattered long before Mr. Lindell said a word about you,” said Lindell’s lawyer, Chris Katchouroff, adding that Lindell is known for hyperbole and had acted on “genuine concerns” about election integrity — not malice.
Coomer, meanwhile, emphasized the emotional toll the defamation had taken. “I lost my career, my health, and my safety,” he said. “What I want now is a public acknowledgment of the harm, a chance to move forward, and to clear my name.”
While recounts, audits, and legal reviews in contested states have all affirmed President Joe Biden’s victory, Lindell’s continued push for dismantling electronic voting has only grown. His trial now serves as a flashpoint in the ongoing legal reckoning over misinformation, media accountability, and the long-term impact of post-election conspiracy theories.
Mike Lindell Defends Mike Lindell Defends
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