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Appeals Court Overturns $5 Million Award in Lindell’s Election Contest

The appeals court ruled that arbitrators cannot amend unambiguous contest terms, directing the district court to vacate or re-proceed under the original agreement.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell exits the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell exits the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell gestures as supporters of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gather outside Capital One Arena, for a rally a day before he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole/File Photo

Overview

  • A unanimous three-judge 8th Circuit panel found the 2023 arbitration exceeded its authority under Minnesota contract law.
  • The original challenge stemmed from Lindell’s 2021 Cyber Symposium, where he offered $5 million to anyone disproving his election-interference data.
  • The ruling vacates a February 2024 decision that had affirmed the $5 million award to software developer Robert Zeidman and sends the case back for further proceedings.
  • Lindell also faces a $2.3 million defamation verdict from Colorado and is appealing separate lawsuits filed by Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.
  • The decision highlights judicial oversight of arbitration and underscores limits on modifying clear contractual terms in election-related disputes.