Judge Reveals Contempt Order Against MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell

Lindell claimed a negative $18.7 million net worth but spent $187K on his own book, judge says.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has unsealed his reasoning for holding MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in civil contempt for refusing to pay $56,369 in sanctions ordered over a year ago. The judge said Lindell prioritized spending on other legal proceedings over paying the court-ordered sanctions, despite having sufficient funds, and cited Lindell's own words acknowledging he could pay if he had the ability to do so.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing legal battles between Lindell, a prominent 2020 election conspiracy theorist, and voting machine company Smartmatic, which has accused Lindell of making false claims about its role in the election. The contempt order underscores the court's frustration with Lindell's failure to comply with its rulings.

The details

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Donald Trump appointee, explained that he ordered Lindell to pay the sanctions to Smartmatic in January 2025, but rather than using his $14.8 million in assets, Lindell claimed to have a 'negative $18.7 million' net worth. The judge said Lindell spent $187,037.87 in Minnesota gubernatorial campaign funds to buy copies of his own book from MyPillow Inc. just to give them away, prioritizing that over paying the court-ordered sanctions.

  • In January 2025, the court ordered Lindell to pay $56,369 in sanctions to Smartmatic.
  • On March 24, 2026, the judge granted Smartmatic's motion to hold Lindell in civil contempt for refusing to pay the sanctions.
  • The judge's order explaining the contempt ruling was filed to the public docket on April 8, 2026.

The players

Mike Lindell

The CEO of MyPillow Inc. and a prominent 2020 election conspiracy theorist who was ordered by the court to pay $56,369 in sanctions to Smartmatic but has refused to do so.

Smartmatic

A voting machine company that has accused Lindell of making false claims about its role in the 2020 election, leading to the court-ordered sanctions against him.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. who is a Donald Trump appointee and has presided over the case between Smartmatic and Lindell.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If I had the ability to pay, I would do so immediately.”

— Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO

What’s next

The judge's contempt order includes a $500 daily penalty that will kick in on Wednesday if Lindell continues to refuse to pay the $56,369 in sanctions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between Lindell and voting machine companies like Smartmatic, as well as the court's frustration with Lindell's failure to comply with its rulings despite evidence that he has the financial means to do so.