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Judge Raises Alarm Over Lindell's Defiance in Defamation Case

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, raised concerns about MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell's non-compliance in the defamation case with Smartmatic, noting Lindell has new counsel and difficulties accessing sealed orders.
The court previously sanctioned Lindell over $50,000 for non-compliance and set a January 19 show-cause deadline.
Smartmatic has accused him of not engaging in payment discussions and moved to hold him in civil contempt.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, raised concerns about MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell's non-compliance in the defamation case with Smartmatic, noting Lindell has new counsel and difficulties accessing sealed orders.
The court previously sanctioned Lindell over $50,000 for non-compliance and set a January 19 show-cause deadline.
Smartmatic has accused him of not engaging in payment discussions and moved to hold him in civil contempt.