A key figure in Trump's conspiracy coalition goes on trial
Whenever President Trump sees his ally Mike Lindell, Trump pours on the praise. A 'patriot.' A 'brave guy.' The 'single greatest advertiser in history.'
Right now, though, Lindell is something else: A defendant.
The CEO of MyPillow, who built his business through incessant commercials and devotion to Trump, is on trial in Colorado over his tirades about the 2020 election.
Opening statements happened Tuesday morning in a case brought by Eric Coomer, a former Dominion Voting Systems executive who sued Lindell for defamation in 2022.
Coomer told CNN he was forced into hiding when bogus conspiracy theories about Dominion rigging the 2020 election against Trump led to a deluge of death threats.
He later charged in the lawsuit that Lindell and MyPillow were 'among the most prolific vectors' of the lies and said the rhetorical campaign had 'devastating' real-world consequences.
Dominion famously prevailed in a similar defamation lawsuit against Fox News in 2023 when Fox agreed to pay the company $787.5 million. Dominion has numerous other lawsuits still pending.
Coomer also settled one of his other suits, this one against the far-right network One America News, in 2023.
But Coomer's case against Lindell has reached a jury, and he is expected to take the stand as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
For plaintiffs like Coomer, one of the hopes is that legal victories could cause partisan talking heads to think twice before sowing doubt about future elections.
Lindell, forever a showman, has repositioned himself as a free speech warrior amid widespread condemnation of his lies about the 2020 election.
The pillow businessman recently claimed that 'I'm in ruins' as a result of the numerous lawsuits stemming from his election-related claims.
Both Dominion and another voting tech company, Smartmatic, are actively suing Lindell for defamation.
Smartmatic alleges that Lindell 'generated profits for his company by skillfully incorporating product promotions to his defamation campaign.'
In March, a federal judge in Minnesota found that Lindell was in contempt of court because Lindell had failed to turn over required documents in the Smartmatic case.
Lindell has attempted to turn the current Colorado trial into both a media circus and a fundraising opportunity. His obscure online video network, appropriately named LindellTV, has portrayed him as a martyr and promoted his pillows simultaneously. Host Emerald Robinson — a well-known conspiracy theorist like her boss — has called the case 'the most important trial in the history of American elections.'
Lindell's running online commentary has doubled as a potential preview of his legal defense. 'I didn't know the guy,' Lindell said Monday, apparently referring to Coomer, claiming 'he came after me' and 'this is very, very organized.'
Lindell also recast the defamation trial as a crusade for 'secure elections' and repeated some of his discredited talking points about electronic voting machines.
But what he says on the courthouse steps is one thing; what is said in court is another. Notably, Lindell's attorneys said Tuesday that they won't try to prove his election lies during the trial. 'All Mike Lindell did was talk,' Lindell's lawyer, Chris Kachouroff, reportedly told the jury.
'Mike believed that he was telling the truth,' the lawyer added. 'It doesn't have to be true.'
Lindell has received support from some high-profile MAGA media figures, including Steve Bannon, who interviewed Lindell on the 'War Room' podcast Tuesday morning. Bannon gave Lindell time to 'sell us a pillow and some sheets,' and the veteran salesman obliged, telling viewers that MyPillow sales revenues are underwriting his defense.
Lindell's number one supporter remains the president. When both men spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February, Trump lamented the 'FBI thugs' who seized Lindell's phone during an investigation in 2022.
'I want to thank you on behalf of everybody, Mike, you put up with a tremendous amount,' Trump said. 'He never changed his mind. He said that election of 2020 was rigged and he's more of a believer today than he was even four years ago. But now it's OK to say it, Mike! Now it's fine.'
Lindell is a key member of Trump's conspiracy coalition — a group of MAGA media personalities and their legions of followers who embrace and promote various politically charged theories that bear little if any connection to reality.
A wild new example emerged last weekend: Trump's amplification of a Truth Social post imagining that former president Joe Biden was actually a robot clone when he was in office between 2021 and 2024.
On CNN's 'NewsNight,' anchor Abby Phillip pointed out that 'for two months, all the attention's been on the mental acuity of the previous president,' meaning Biden. 'And while the scrutiny is justified, what about the current president? After all, he's pushing a batshit conspiracy theory that Joe Biden was executed in 2020 and replaced with a clone robot.'
The Bulwark editor-at-large Bill Kristol reacted by saying, 'Trump doesn't believe it,' but he knows many of his supporters 'love conspiracy theories,' and 'the conspiracists are a big part of the Trump administration.'
In other words, Trump's repost was appealing to that conspiracy coalition — a group that is both entertained and motivated by his theories.
While Trump-promoting outlets like Fox News laughed off the Trump repost, some media critics said it should be taken seriously. It is evidence of 'Trump's disordered mental state,' Stephen Robinson wrote for Public Notice on Tuesday morning.
Avery Lotz wrote for Axios that Trump mixes 'wild conspiracies with market-moving policies' in his feed on Truth Social. Lotz concluded, 'With no fact-checks or consequences for falsehoods, Trump can be, as he's shared multiple posts saying, 'right about everything.''
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
31 minutes ago
- Associated Press
ROSEN, REGARDED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Digimarc Corporation Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: DMRC) between May 3, 2024 and February 26, 2025, both dates inclusive (the 'Class Period'), of the important July 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Digimarc securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Digimarc class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 8, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) a large commercial partner would not renew a large contract on the same terms; (2) as a result, Digimarc would renegotiate the large commercial contract; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Digimarc's subscription revenue and annual recurring revenue would be adversely affected; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Digimarc's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Digimarc class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: on Twitter: or on Facebook: Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
31 minutes ago
- Associated Press
ROSEN, GLOBAL INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Tempus AI, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM) resulting from allegations that Tempus AI may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Tempus AI securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On May 28, 2025, before the market opened, published an article entitled 'Tempus AI stock sinks following Spruce Point short report.' The article stated Tempus AI shares had fallen after 'the company was targeted in a short-seller report by Spruce Point. The report raised serious concerns about the integrity of Tempus AI's product, the credibility of its management, and its financial reporting practices.' On this news, Tempus AI stock fell 19.2% on May 28, 2025. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: on Twitter: or on Facebook: Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
31 minutes ago
- Associated Press
MediPharm Labs' Board Continues Value Destruction for Shareholders with Sale of Hope Facility
Complete Incompetence at the Board Level Results in Fire Sale of Treasured MediPharm Asset, the Hope Facility, to a Competitor Hope Facility was One of Canada's Best Cultivation Assets Before it was Acquired by MediPharm, Grossly Mismanaged, and Ultimately Shut Down in 2024 MediPharm Labs' Board is Pursuing its Worst Deal Yet: A Highly Dilutive NO CASH Sale of the Remaining Company Apollo has a Concrete and Achievable Plan to Drive MediPharm's Share Price from Nearly $0.06 to Over $1.00, Restoring Value to its Loyal Shareholders SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE THEGOLDCARD 'FOR' APOLLO CAPITAL'S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND NOT VOTE MEDIPHARM's GREEN CARD TORONTO, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Technology Capital Corporation ('Apollo Capital'), one of MediPharm Labs' ('MediPharm') largest investors, warns MediPharm shareholders that the Company's current leadership is continuing its pursuit of value destructive M&A, with the ultimate goal of a non-cash dilutive sale of the entire company. A sale of the Company which would trigger over $5M in change of control and other payments to current management. 'It's a travesty for shareholders to have what is believed to be a $12M asset sold for just $4.5M, likely netting shareholders less than $4M after fees and expenses. Worse still, the acquirer will wisely use the facility to produce cannabis for export that will directly compete with MediPharm in Europe,' says Regan McGee of Apollo Capital. 'Yesterday's fire sale announcement makes it crystal clear that MediPharm's Board has no actual value creation strategy, just a desire to sell off MediPharm's assets at shareholders' expense to keep paying themselves at 500% above market norms. Is MediPharm pursuing growth facilities as a strategy or not? Is the Napanee facility the next fire sale we will see to a competitor?' questions Regan McGee of Apollo Capital. Apollo expects the scaling of MediPharm's Napanee facility to cost shareholders significantly more than what the buyer of the Hope Facility will spend to achieve real profitability. Apollo expects the scaling of MediPharm's Napanee facility to cost between $3 million and $5 million and take 12 to 18 months to generate revenue. Apollo notes MediPharm's management team does not have cultivation experience, which could result in millions of investment dollars needed before it provides a return, if ever. The Hope Facility, formerly known as CannaFarms, was built by the highly respected Laflamme family to be one of the first licensed facilities in Canada. As exceptional visionaries, the Laflamme family built a world-class facility at immense personal cost to service patients in need, including military veterans. After nearly a decade of strong operational success as a positive driver for the community, MediPharm leadership not only failed to realize the value of its acquisition, but handed its assets to a competitor for well below market value. This sale is a tragic outcome for MediPharm shareholders. CEO David Pidduck has sold off MediPharm's Hope. Apollo Capital asks: Apollo Capital has invested significant capital into MediPharm and nominated highly qualified director candidates who can drive the urgent change needed and propel share price over $1.00. For more information, see our strategic five-pillar plan at Apollo urges shareholders to save their investments and vote the GOLD CARD by June 13, 2025. Shareholders are urged to NOT sign or return the green proxy cards sent by the Company. Contacts For Shareholders: Carson Proxy North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189 Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted) E: [email protected] For Media: [email protected] This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of the Concerned Shareholder, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company ('Common Shares'), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company ('Management'). Legal Disclosures Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law In connection with the annual general and special meeting (the 'Annual Meeting') of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the 'Circular'), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by the Concerned Stakeholder dated June 4, 2025 (the 'Addendum' and together with the Circular, the 'Amended Circular'), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations ('NI 51-102') and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm's profile on SEDAR+ at The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder's director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm's profile on SEDAR+ at The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1. SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm's profile on SEDAR+ at In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder's proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. ('Carson Proxy') at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at [email protected]. Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder's attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting. The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting. This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf. Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP ('G&Co') to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder's nominees make up a majority of the board of directors of MediPharm (the 'Board') following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses. Anteris Advisors, LLC ('Anteris') has also been retained by Apollo Capital to act as strategic consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain activism strategy, material creation and strategic communications services, for which Anteris will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$100,000 in addition to a success fee of US$100,000 in the event that one or more of the Concerned Stakeholder's nominees are appointed or elected to the Board following the Annual Meeting or as a result of any settlement or arrangement, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company's last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company's affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'estimate,' 'plan,' and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law. Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP
