Current:Home > MyHe 'Proved Mike Wrong.' Now he's claiming his $5 million -MoneyFlow Academy
He 'Proved Mike Wrong.' Now he's claiming his $5 million
View
Date:2025-04-12 18:42:31
Software engineer Robert Zeidman, who used his data analytics skills to debunk a false 2020 election conspiracy theory promoted by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, says he has received many congratulatory messages, including from supporters of former President Donald Trump.
"I've made the argument that Lindell is hurting Trump much more than he's helping him because everything Lindell is presenting is so obviously bogus that it just makes any talk about voter fraud or voter integrity look silly. So even big Trump supporters thanked me," Zeidman said in an interview with Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep.
It started in August 2021, when the Las Vegas-based computer expert entered the "Prove Mike Wrong Challenge," in which Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could prove that data he claimed shows China interfered in the 2020 presidential election were inaccurate.
After Zeidman determined that the data provided during a three-day "Cyber Symposium" in Sioux Falls, S.D., had nothing to do with the 2020 election results, Lindell refused to pay the promised amount. Last week, an arbitration panel ruled in Zeidman's favor and ordered Lindell to pay up.
"[Mr. Zeidman] proved the data Lindell LLC provided [...] unequivocally did not reflect November 2020 election data," the arbitrators wrote. "Failure to pay Mr. Zeidman the $5 million prize was a breach of the contract, entitling him to recover."
Despite the ruling, Zeidman, who describes himself as a conservative Republican, does not expect to see any money.
"Lindell will delay it as long as he can. But I also think he's going to lose in the cases that are brought against him by Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic, the voting machine companies," he says. "I think that'll put him out of business for good."
Both companies have filed defamation lawsuits against Lindell, claiming he falsely accused them of rigging the 2020 presidential election.
Lindell did not respond to a request for comment, but he told The Associated Press last week that he has no intention of paying the $5 million to Zeidman and that he expects the dispute will end up in court.
Zeidman, who voted for Trump twice, says the data provided at the symposium not only failed to prove any Chinese election interference that could have tipped the outcome in favor of Joe Biden, the data included no discernible information whatsoever.
"It was pages and pages of numbers. And in other cases, a table full of gibberish, as if someone had sat there for hours and just typed random stuff into a word processor," he says.
It took Zeidman just hours to disprove Lindell's election fraud claims based on the data provided. After submitting a 15-page report that laid out the specifics of his findings, Zeidman called his wife confidently telling her: "Think about what you want to do with $5 million."
That call came a little premature as it turns out, but Zeidman tells NPR that he's just thrilled that people appreciate what he did.
And whether he would vote for Trump for a third time, he hasn't made a decision: "I hope I have another choice in the upcoming election."
Ben Abrams produced the audio version.
veryGood! (3113)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Anna Delvey tells Tori Spelling she's not 'some abuser' after shared 'DWTS' eliminations
- US retailers brace for potential pain from a longshoremen’s strike
- Ciara Reveals How Her Kids Have Stepped Up With Her and Russell Wilson's Daughter Amora
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Cities are using sheep to graze in urban landscapes and people love it
- Alabama football's freshman receiver Ryan Williams is only 17, but was old enough to take down Georgia
- Amal and George Clooney Share the Romantic Way They’re Celebrating 10th Wedding Anniversary
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- California governor signs bills to protect children from AI deepfake nudes
Ranking
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- NFL games today: Titans-Dolphins, Seahawks-Lions on Monday Night Football doubleheader
- AP Top 25: Alabama overtakes Texas for No. 1 and UNLV earns its 1st ranking in program history
- 'I will never forgive you for this': Whole Foods' Berry Chantilly cake recipe has changed
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Behind dominant Derrick Henry, Ravens are becoming an overpowering force
- US retailers brace for potential pain from a longshoremen’s strike
- Tom Brady responds to Bucs QB Baker Mayfield's critical remarks: 'This wasn't daycare'
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
California governor signs bills to protect children from AI deepfake nudes
7UP clears up rumors about mocktail-inspired flavor, confirms Shirley Temple soda is real
7UP clears up rumors about mocktail-inspired flavor, confirms Shirley Temple soda is real
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
California governor signs bills to protect children from AI deepfake nudes
Knicks trade for Karl-Anthony Towns in blockbuster deal
How to watch SpaceX, NASA launch that will bring Starliner astronauts home in 2025