Mike Lindell Faces Probe Over Campaign Pillow Giveaways

Minnesota gubernatorial candidate and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is under legal scrutiny following a campaign law complaint filed on July 22. The complaint, brought by DFL candidate Dan Fiskum, alleges that Lindell violated the Fair Campaign Practices Act by distributing pillows and autobiographies to spectators at Fourth of July parades in Delano and Foley, Minnesota. The filing claims these items, valued at approximately $35 each, were used to induce voting behavior, which is prohibited under state law.

Administrative Law Judge Nicholas Lienesch determined the allegations established a prima facie violation of state law, resulting in a probable cause hearing on August 4. Lindell denies the charges, characterizing the complaint as a set-up hit job. He argues the items were miniature roll-and-go pillows valued at $4.90, placing them under the state's $5 exemption for campaign giveaways. To support this, Lindell provided an invoice showing the campaign purchased 2,500 pillows at $4.50 each.

While Lindell claimed his campaign followed guidelines from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, representatives from the board did not confirm this. Legal experts have also noted a gray area regarding Lindell's use of campaign funds to purchase products from his own company. A final ruling from the judge is expected later this week, ahead of the August 11 primary.