A federal judge has dismissed journalist Michael Wolff’s preemptive lawsuit, removing a legal barrier to First Lady Melania Trump’s potential $1 billion defamation claim against him over statements linking her to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Manhattan Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil ruled that Wolff’s attempt to block Trump from suing him was procedurally improper and declined to keep the case in federal court. Vyskocil said the dispute should proceed through standard litigation channels rather than remain in her courtroom.
“It’s an inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship,” Vyskocil said from the bench, adding that she would not be “drafted to oversee an abusively presented spat.” Despite acknowledging both sides have legitimate grievances, the judge determined federal court was not the appropriate venue for the conflict.
Background on the Dispute
Wolff had filed the lawsuit in October after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Trump’s attorney demanding he delete statements linking her to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Trump has consistently denied any association with Epstein.
Wolff argued in his lawsuit that Trump “have made a practice of threatening those who speak against them” with costly legal actions to silence critics. He claimed some of his statements were taken out of context and constituted protected opinion, including characterizations of the Trump marriage.
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Alejandro Brito, had successfully moved the case from state to federal court before the judge dismissed it. Brito’s letter had warned Wolff of legal consequences if he refused to delete the statements.
Trump’s Public Response
At an April press conference, Trump stated directly: “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.” She called those making the claims “devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect” and rejected what she described as deliberate attempts to damage her reputation.
Trump’s legal team has claimed Wolff’s statements caused her “overwhelming reputational and financial harm.” The Daily Beast retracted an article last summer based on an interview with Wolff after receiving Brito’s cease-and-desist letter.
A Melania Trump spokesperson said the first lady “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.”
Congressional Reaction
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised Trump’s public stance, saying “Melania Trump stands with Epstein victims” and citing her advocacy for legislation addressing non-consensual intimate images. “The truth will prevail,” Mace said.
Democratic lawmakers also responded to Trump’s remarks. Rep. Robert Garcia called for a public hearing, saying “We agree with First Lady Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing” and urging House leadership to schedule one promptly.
In her press conference, Trump called on Congress to take action and urged lawmakers to allow victims to testify under oath regarding the Epstein matter.