Federal Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Lawsuit Against Melania Trump

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, ruling that the case should proceed through the ordinary legal process rather than as a preemptive federal action.

U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil of the Southern District of New York described Wolff’s lawsuit as an inappropriate attempt to gain a tactical advantage, calling it a “contorted” legal strategy and stating that it was “not how federal courts work.” Although the judge acknowledged that the parties have a genuine legal dispute, she declined to retain the case in federal court and dismissed it without addressing the underlying defamation claims.

Wolff filed the lawsuit after receiving a demand letter from Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, which alleged that comments he made about the first lady were defamatory and threatened legal action unless the statements were withdrawn. Rather than waiting for a potential defamation lawsuit, Wolff sought a court ruling that would block such litigation.

A spokesperson for the first lady welcomed the decision, saying Melania Trump remains committed to challenging what she considers false and defamatory statements. Her legal team has maintained that the disputed remarks caused significant reputational and financial harm.

The dispute centers on statements made by Wolff regarding Melania Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The first lady has repeatedly denied any association with Epstein and has publicly rejected allegations linking her to him. Wolff has argued that his comments were taken out of context, constituted protected opinion, and did not accuse Melania Trump of criminal wrongdoing.

The ruling does not determine whether either side’s claims have merit. Instead, it leaves the parties free to pursue any future defamation litigation through the normal judicial process if either side chooses to do so.