A federal judge dismissed a preemptive lawsuit filed by author Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump on Friday, rejecting what the court called a “contorted” legal maneuver.
U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, serving in Manhattan, ruled that Wolff’s attempt to block a potential defamation claim did not align with federal court procedures. The case stemmed from statements Wolff made linking Melania Trump to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges.
What Led to the Lawsuit
Melania Trump’s attorney Alejandro Brito sent Wolff a demand letter last year calling for him to delete the statements and warning of a potential defamation suit. Wolff responded by filing suit in New York state court in October, seeking to block any $1 billion defamation action and arguing his statements were protected opinion or taken out of context.
Vyskocil wrote in her 45-page opinion that Wolff’s approach represented an “inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship,” stating “Plaintiff asks for a declaration that, if the First Lady sues him, he deserves to win. That is not how the federal courts work.”
The Court’s Decision
The judge acknowledged a genuine dispute existed between the parties but declined to exercise jurisdiction over the case. Her ruling effectively sends the matter back to be resolved through conventional legal channels rather than through Wolff’s preemptive filing strategy.
A spokesperson for the first lady called the decision a victory, stating Melania Trump “is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods.”
Melania Trump’s Public Response
In an April White House press conference, Melania Trump directly addressed the allegations, declaring “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.” She denied any friendship or involvement with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
She stated she had never visited Epstein’s island, flown on his plane, or had knowledge of his crimes. Melania Trump said she met her husband at a New York party in 1998 and rejected what she characterized as mean-spirited attempts to damage her reputation.
What Comes Next
The dismissal does not resolve the underlying dispute, leaving open the possibility of further litigation. Wolff maintained he did not accuse the first lady of criminal involvement with Epstein and characterized some of his comments as referring to her behind-the-scenes role in White House matters related to the scandal.
The Daily Beast retracted an article based on an interview with Wolff after receiving Brito’s letter. The case drew bipartisan commentary, with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praising the first lady and Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia calling for congressional hearings on related matters.
This story has been updated. CNN’s politics team contributed to this report.
