The ruling stems from Lindell's failed "Prove Mike Wrong" challenge in 2020, where he contested the authenticity of election data he possessed related to the 2020 election. Lindell, an outspoken election denier and conspiracy theorist, has expressed intentions to appeal the judgment, describing the case as "corrupt." Despite his plans to appeal, Lindell has been advised by Zeidman's attorney to post a bond to halt any collection efforts. Failure to comply may result in measures such as seizing bank accounts or tracking Lindell's assets using subpoena power.

Zeidman, a software developer and Trump supporter, attended an event hosted by Lindell in 2021 to review the election data in question. Zeidman was awarded the $5 million arbitration award, which includes post-judgment interest starting from April 19, 2023. In the arbitration ruling, it was noted that Zeidman entered the contest with hopes of uncovering evidence to support Lindell's claims regarding the 2020 election results. However, after reviewing the data given to him, Zeidman concluded that it was not related to the election as claimed by Lindell.

While Lindell argued that his company, Lindell Management LLC, organized the event and it's not his personal liability, the judge upheld the arbitration panel's decision. The judge acknowledged concerns regarding the panel's interpretation of contract language but ultimately approved the $5 million award to Zeidman. Lindell expressed financial constraints, stating that he lacks the funds to cover legal fees for defamation lawsuits filed against him by voting machine companies Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems, as well as a lawsuit from former Dominion employee Eric Coomer.

With the deadline set by the judge, Lindell faces the task of paying the $5 million award to Zeidman within the specified timeframe or potentially facing further legal action to enforce the ruling.