Federal Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Lawsuit Against Melania Trump Over Epstein Allegations

In a significant legal ruling, U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil in Manhattan has dismissed a preemptive lawsuit filed by author Michael Wolff against first lady Melania Trump. The case centered on Wolff’s claims that Melania Trump’s attorneys sent him a threatening letter demanding an apology and financial compensation for alleged defamation. In a 45-page opinion, the judge rejected Wolff’s attempt to use New York’s anti-SLAPP law to block any potential defamation lawsuit from Trump, calling his approach premature and inappropriate.

Wolff had filed the lawsuit in October 2025, alleging that Melania Trump’s legal team was attempting to silence him through threats. He argued that the letter constituted a “complaint” outlining defamation claims against him. However, Judge Vyskocil made it clear that Wolff’s preemptive strike was not the proper way to address their dispute. She emphasized that both parties must follow standard legal procedures rather than seeking to bypass them through strategic litigation tactics.

The judge also criticized the level of “tactical gamesmanship” displayed by both sides, while acknowledging the high-profile nature of the case and its controversial content. Despite these complexities, she concluded that Wolff’s claims lacked merit, as no actual defamation lawsuit had been filed against him at the time of her ruling. The court’s decision effectively shuts down Wolff’s legal strategy to prevent Melania Trump from pursuing her own case in federal court.

This ruling highlights the challenges of navigating high-stakes legal battles involving prominent figures and underscores the importance of adhering to established legal processes, even when personal and political stakes are high.