Federal Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Lawsuit Against First Lady Melania Trump
A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed a preemptive lawsuit filed by journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, describing it as a “contorted” attempt to misuse the courts.
U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, a Trump appointee, ruled that Wolff’s suit represented an “inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship” and stated she would not allow federal courts to “oversee an abusively presented spat.” While acknowledging a legitimate underlying dispute between the parties, Vyskocil declined to exercise jurisdiction and dismissed the case, directing it to proceed through normal litigation channels.
Wolff filed the suit in New York state court last October after receiving a demand letter from Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito. The letter demanded Wolff retract statements linking the First Lady to Jeffrey Epstein and warned of a potential $1 billion defamation lawsuit. Trump’s team later moved the case to federal court.
In her ruling, Judge Vyskocil emphasized that federal courts are not the proper venue for such anticipatory legal maneuvers. A spokesperson for the First Lady welcomed the decision, stating Melania Trump “is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods.”
Melania Trump has strongly denied any association with Epstein, who died 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 making the claims as lacking “ethical standards, humility, and respect.”
Wolff’s lawsuit contended that the Trumps routinely use threats of costly litigation to silence critics. He argued some statements were taken out of context or constituted protected opinion, including references to the couple’s marriage, and insisted he never accused the First Lady of criminal involvement with Epstein. The Daily Beast retracted an article based on Wolff’s comments after receiving a legal letter from Brito.
The dismissal comes amid broader public discussion of Epstein-related issues. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised Melania Trump’s stance in support of victims, while some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Robert Garcia, called for congressional hearings on the matter.
The First Lady has previously urged Congress to allow victims to testify under oath and take legislative action against related harms.
