Podcast Summary

Podcast: Bannon’s War Room
Episode: 4990: Mike Lindell Announces Run For Governor Of Minnesota
Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Steve Bannon
Guest: Mike Lindell

Brief Overview

In this episode of Bannon’s War Room, Mike Lindell – entrepreneur, MyPillow CEO, and conservative activist – officially announces his candidacy for Governor of Minnesota. Speaking live from the MyPillow factory floor, Lindell delivers a passionate speech highlighting his personal journey, political motivations, and the urgent need for new leadership in Minnesota. The conversation with Steve Bannon explores Lindell’s background, his criticisms of incumbent Governor Tim Walz, and his vision for restoring government integrity, business health, and public trust in Minnesota.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Announcement & Motivation for Running (00:52–08:49)

• Lindell recounts his troubled past as a crack cocaine addict and his recovery, crediting faith in God and his founding of the Lindell Recovery Network.

• After experiencing media celebration for his “American Dream” story, he became a political pariah after meeting Donald Trump in 2016, dedicating himself to "securing our elections" post-2020.

• Claims to have endured harassment and targeting by the federal government, including “Operation Arctic Drop,” bank debanking, and loss of business due to his activism.

• Key Quote:

  “They tried to take away my place… my banks… my suppliers. They even took my phone… Well, it didn’t work. I’m still standing. My Pillow is still standing.” — Mike Lindell (03:45)

• Announces candidacy to “stand with you” against “fraud, crime, exploding property taxes, excessive fees, unfair sales tax, unnecessary regulations.”

2. Critique of Governor Tim Walz & Minnesota Governance (05:19–08:49; 09:34–14:51)

• Alleges widespread government fraud under Walz, referencing $1–$8 billion in unaccounted government funds.
• Argues Minnesotans are “paying too much for government… families taken advantage of and others have not been taken care of… businesses are drained.”
• Insists professional politicians have created unsolvable problems and that a business leader like himself can solve them through practical management.
• Promises transparency, to address regulation and taxes, and to support education and addiction recovery.

3. Personal Resilience & MyPillow Story (21:21–28:07)

• Shares stories of overcoming addiction and transforming MyPillow into a national company despite being “the most attacked company in history.”
• Describes how the company lost $200 million in retail contracts due to his political stance, yet survived through adaptability and direct employee management.
• Recounts being “debanked, deplatformed,” and systemic efforts to destroy his business.
• Memorable Anecdote:
  Drug dealers staged an intervention for him, refusing to sell more drugs—now some work for him as born-again Christians.

4. Election Integrity & Community Focus (13:44–19:55; 19:55–21:21)

• Restates commitment to “securing elections,” with particular focus on transparency and “deviations” (anomalies) in vote counts and government spending.
• Intends to visit every city/town in Minnesota (2,633 by his count) to mobilize diverse voters, including working with Democrats on issues like voting machines.
• Observes that even inner city residents are dissatisfied due to unchecked illegal immigration and loss of public resources.

5. Management Philosophy & Approach as Potential Governor (38:39–42:24; 39:58–42:48)

• Emphasizes business-style management: focusing on numbers, “deviations,” clear communication, and problem-solving.
• Promises relentless transparency, directly involving media and the public in oversight of government operations.
• Notable Quote:

  “I’ll be the most transparent governor this country’s ever seen… When there’s deviations, whether it’s fraud or anything else that’s nonsensical or problem, it needs to be run like a company.” — Mike Lindell (35:21)

6. Minnesota Roots and Emotional Connection (42:24–43:47)

• Deep affection for his home state: “I love Minnesota. I was born here… my company’s here… I love Minnesota. I never wanted to move MyPillow anywhere else.”
• Nostalgia for a thriving Minnesota (“We were the first mall...drive-in movies...”), longing to restore pride and prosperity.

7. Bannon’s Perspective on Lindell’s Candidacy (32:38–51:22)

• Strong endorsement of Lindell’s operational mindset and “relentless” pursuit of solutions.
• Frames Lindell as “the instrument that can deliver the blow” to reveal fraud and shake up Minnesota’s government.
• Stresses Lindell as an outsider, not a “polished politician,” who acts more than talks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On overcoming adversity:

  “When God freed me of that [addiction], that was…the biggest thing ever.” — Mike Lindell (22:52)

• On political transformation:

  “They turned on me like, what did I do wrong? They attacked my pillow. My rating from A+ to F. The Better Business Bureau…” — Mike Lindell (27:28)

• On Minnesota’s challenges:

  “Year after year, things don’t change, they get worse. If you want something done right, you do it yourself.” — Mike Lindell (10:42)

• On why run now:

  “I figured I had to get out there, secure our elections… I love my state, I love the country, I love people.” — Mike Lindell (13:44)

• On transparency:

  “If you see a problem, you gotta fix the problem and put stuff in place so it never happens again. Duplicate your successes. That’s business 101.” — Mike Lindell (35:22)

• Bannon on Lindell:

  “Mike Lindell is like a dog with a bone. When there’s a problem to come up with a solution, he’s relentless.” — Steve Bannon (38:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:52–08:49 | Lindell’s announcement, background, and motivation | | 05:19–08:49 | Critique of Tim Walz, Minnesota’s fiscal issues | | 09:34–14:51 | Lindell on why he’s running, reflections on state politics | | 21:21–24:45 | Overcoming addiction and business setbacks | | 24:45–28:07 | MyPillow challenges post-2016, Lindell’s resistance to canceling | | 35:21–38:39 | Commitment to transparency and business-style governance | | 39:58–42:48 | Lindell details management philosophy; transparency in action | | 42:48–43:47 | Lindell on Minnesota roots and love for the state | | 32:38–51:22 | Bannon’s analysis and praise for Lindell’s candidacy |

Summary Table: Lindell's Platform & Pledges

| Issue | Lindell’s Position | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Government Fraud | Root out corruption, expose fraud, and restore fiscal integrity | | Taxes & Regulation | Lower property taxes, reduce excessive fees, remove red tape | | Education | Make Minnesota’s system “one of the best,” empower parents | | Crime | Stand against crime, support law enforcement | | Business Climate | Support all businesses, foster entrepreneurship | | Election Integrity | Audit voting systems, secure elections, insist on transparency | | Social Services | Focus on addiction recovery, aid to those in need | | Transparency | “Most transparent governor,” open direct communication | | Media | Criticizes lack of media oversight, promises openness | | Community Roots | Deep connection to Minnesota, desire to restore state’s greatness |

Tone and Language

• Lindell’s speech is deeply personal, occasionally combative, and frequently evangelical—crediting faith for his transformation and perseverance.
• Bannon’s tone is aggressive, supportive, and focused on action; he frames Lindell’s candidacy as essential and disruptive.
• Both speakers present the campaign as a populist, grassroots effort against entrenched powers and media complicity.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode centers on Mike Lindell’s dramatic announcement to run for Governor of Minnesota, positioned as a response to what he and Bannon see as rampant government corruption, bureaucratic incompetence, and hostile media. Lindell’s story is presented as a testament to resilience, faith, and business acumen, with a declared mission to bring transparency, accountability, and prosperity back to Minnesota. The conversation is charged with invocations of patriotism, faith, and the “MAGA” ethos, offering a polarizing alternative to establishment politics.

For more details and Lindell’s campaign proposals: mikelindellgov.com