A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, ruling that the case should not proceed in federal court. U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil described the lawsuit as a “contorted” legal effort and criticized it as an example of “tactical gamesmanship,” adding that federal courts should not be used to oversee what she characterized as a personal legal dispute. While acknowledging that the two sides have a genuine disagreement, the judge concluded the matter should instead be litigated through the normal state court process.
The dispute began after Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, sent Wolff a letter demanding that he retract statements about the first lady and warning that legal action would follow if he refused. Wolff responded by filing a lawsuit in New York state court in October. The case was later transferred to federal court, where Judge Vyskocil ultimately declined to exercise jurisdiction and dismissed it, allowing the dispute to continue in state court.
A spokesperson for Melania Trump welcomed the ruling, saying the first lady remains committed to fighting what she views as false and defamatory claims. Her legal team has argued that Wolff’s remarks caused significant damage to her reputation and financial interests.
Much of the controversy centers on comments linking Melania Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The first lady has repeatedly denied any connection to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. During an April press conference, she condemned the allegations, calling them false and accusing those spreading them of attempting to damage her reputation.
Wolff’s lawsuit argues that the Trumps frequently threaten critics with expensive legal action to discourage unfavorable reporting. He also maintains that several of his remarks, including his opinion that the Trumps have a “sham marriage” or “trophy marriage,” are protected speech under the First Amendment. His filing further states that he never accused Melania Trump of criminal involvement with Epstein.
The dispute also followed a retracted Daily Beast article based on an interview with Wolff. After receiving a legal demand from Melania Trump’s attorney, the publication withdrew the story. Wolff later clarified that his comments referred to the first lady’s role behind the scenes at the White House and not to any criminal conduct.
Separately, Melania Trump has urged Congress to increase transparency regarding Epstein-related investigations. She called for victims to be allowed to testify under oath and said lawmakers should take action. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised the first lady’s advocacy for victims, while Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia also expressed support for holding a public hearing, saying her remarks had renewed attention on the broader investigation.
