😱Judge Tosses Wolff Suit, Clearing Path For $1B Melania Claim

Federal Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Preemptive Lawsuit Against Melania Trump

A federal judge has dismissed a preemptive lawsuit filed by author and journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, ruling that the case was an improper attempt to obtain a legal decision before any defamation lawsuit had been filed.

U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil issued the ruling Friday, declining to hear the case despite recognizing that a genuine dispute exists between the parties. In a 45-page opinion, Vyskocil criticized the filing as an example of “tactical gamesmanship,” explaining that federal courts are not authorized to issue advisory opinions about hypothetical future lawsuits.

“While Plaintiff and the First Lady have a real dispute, they must litigate it according to the same procedures as everyone else,” the judge wrote. “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 dispute arose after Wolff made statements linking Melania Trump to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. In response, her attorney, Alejandro Brito, sent a demand letter requesting that the statements be withdrawn and warning that failure to do so could result in a defamation lawsuit seeking substantial damages.

Instead of waiting for legal action, Wolff filed suit, arguing that his comments were protected by the First Amendment and that some had been taken out of context. He also alleged that the Trump family has used litigation to discourage critics.

Following the ruling, a spokesperson for Melania Trump welcomed the decision, stating that the first lady will continue defending her reputation against what were described as false and defamatory claims.

Earlier this year, Melania Trump publicly denied any association with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, saying she never visited Epstein’s private island, flew on his aircraft, or had knowledge of his criminal activities.

Judge Vyskocil’s decision does not resolve the underlying dispute or determine whether Wolff’s statements were defamatory. Instead, it requires that any future legal claims proceed through the normal judicial process if a defamation lawsuit is ultimately filed.