Mike Lindell, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and the founder of MyPillow, is the top advertiser on Fox News–for example, one study shows that he purchased nearly 40% of the paid ads shown on Tucker Carlson’s program–but he’s becoming one of the loudest critics of the network because he feels they’re not suitably loyal to Trump.
According to the Washington Post, Lindell continues to complain about Fox News coverage–or lack thereof–of Trump rallies and speeches. He’s also stepped up pressure on the network to favorably cover Trump’s debunked claims about election fraud.
Fox News does it again! We expect this from CNN and others…! Wonder why Fox keeps suppressing the evidence and election fraud! https://t.co/osoRXdUMTA
— Mike Lindell (@realMikeLindell) January 5, 2021
While Lindell complains about Fox News, he continues to support the network, calling Fox a key part of his company’s advertising plan.
“I am not changing my advertising,” he told the Post. “I make all of my advertising decisions based on what is best for MyPillow, my customers and my employees.”
An ad for MyPillow or one of its sister products typically airs during every commercial break of the Tucker Carlson show, and it also routinely airs during the Hannity show that follows. Both of those programs have dropped in the ratings, with Hannity regularly placing third in its timeslot among cable news programs, since the election.
One of the issues Lindell may have with Fox News is its increasing frequency of broadcasting facts. After the recent insurrection at the Capitol, during which five people died and Trump supporters invaded and damaged the Capitol, Lindell took to NewsMax to pitch conspiracy theories.
“All that stuff they’re putting on these other stations, like, ‘Oh, it was the biggest riot in history,” Lindell said. “No, it wasn’t. People were out there, and it was very peaceful. There were probably some undercover antifa that dressed as Trump people and did some damage to windows.”