Mike has to answer the claims. If he doesn't, Dominion will win by default. In his answer, he will deny everything contained in Dominion's complaint. Unless the judge decides there is nothing in Dominion's complaint that would justify moving the case forward, which is highly unlikely, discovery will begin and Mike will need to start producing information that refutes Dominion's claims. He doesn't have the option of doing nothing.
“Mike has to answer the claims.”
Yes, he has to file an Answer; but it should be a general denial or rejection on procedural grounds. (I haven’t seen the complaint, but that’s usually the initial process.)
Dominion has the burden of proof. That is what I meant by Lindell not having to say squat.