Federal Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff Lawsuit Against First Lady Melania Trump
NEW YORK — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, describing it as a “contorted” attempt marked by “inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship.”
Manhattan U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, a Trump appointee, ruled that while the court has jurisdiction, she would decline to exercise it. “This is not how federal courts work,” Vyskocil said, adding that she would not be “drafted to oversee an abusively presented spat.” She noted that both sides have a “real dispute” but directed that the matter be litigated in the ordinary course.
The case stemmed from a letter sent last year by Melania Trump’s attorney demanding that Wolff delete certain statements about the first lady and warning of legal action if he refused. Wolff responded by filing suit in New York state court in October. Trump’s legal team, led by Alejandro Brito, successfully moved the case to federal court.
A spokesperson for the first lady welcomed the dismissal, stating that Melania Trump “is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods as they desperately try to get undeserved attention and money from their unlawful conduct.”
Trump’s legal team had argued that Wolff’s statements caused “overwhelming reputational and financial harm.” Melania Trump, 56, has repeatedly denied any association with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. In an April press conference, she declared, “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” and criticized those responsible as “devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect.”
In his lawsuit, Wolff alleged that the Trumps routinely use threats of costly litigation to silence critics. He claimed some statements were taken out of context or constituted protected opinion, including a description of the Trumps’ marriage as a “sham marriage, trophy marriage.” Wolff maintained he never accused the first lady of criminal involvement with Epstein.
The dispute gained attention after The Daily Beast retracted an article titled “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author,” which was based on an interview with Wolff. The outlet pulled the piece following a letter from Brito.
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised Melania Trump’s stance, saying she “stands with Epstein victims” and highlighting her advocacy for legislation addressing non-consensual intimate images. Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia echoed calls for congressional action, urging a public hearing on the matter. In her remarks, the first lady urged Congress to act and allow victims to testify under oath.
The dismissal returns the parties to standard litigation channels without federal court oversight of the dispute.
