RismadarVoice Reporters, May 23, 2026
A federal judge in New York has dismissed a lawsuit filed by author Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump, ruling that his attempt to preempt a potential $1 billion defamation suit was procedurally improper and not within the scope of the federal court’s intervention.
U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, a Trump appointee, ruled on Friday that while both parties are clearly in dispute, Wolff could not use the courts to block a potential lawsuit before it is formally filed.
“The court agrees that Wolff and the first lady have a real dispute, but they must litigate it according to the same procedures as everyone else,” the judge stated, adding that Wolff’s filing reflected “contorted” legal reasoning and “inappropriate tactical gamesmanship.”
The judge further criticised the case, saying the court would “not be conscripted to oversee an abusively presented spat,” effectively throwing out Wolff’s request for declaratory relief.
Wolff had filed the lawsuit in October after receiving a legal warning from Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, who indicated that the First Lady could pursue a defamation suit if Wolff did not retract statements allegedly damaging to her reputation.
In his filing, Wolff sought a court declaration that his comments did not constitute defamation and attempted to shield himself from potential liability, including costs and damages, should a lawsuit proceed.
The case originated in New York state court under anti-SLAPP provisions designed to protect free speech, but was later moved to federal court before being dismissed.
Following the ruling, Melania Trump’s 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.”
The legal dispute stems from Wolff’s public comments regarding Melania Trump and allegations connected to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, claims she has strongly denied.
In April, Melania Trump publicly rejected any association with Epstein, describing such allegations as “unfounded and baseless lies” and demanding that what she called defamatory narratives about her come to an end.
Reading from prepared remarks at the White House, she stated that individuals spreading such claims were acting without “ethical standards, humility and respect,” and reaffirmed her rejection of what she described as attempts to damage her reputation.
Wolff, a prominent author known for multiple books on Donald Trump, has argued that his statements were either opinion-based commentary or misrepresented excerpts taken out of context.
His lawsuit also referenced statements relating to the Trumps’ personal relationship and social interactions, which he maintained were protected speech and not assertions of criminal conduct.
He further argued that his comments had been unfairly characterised and that he had never accused Melania Trump of involvement in any criminal activity linked to Epstein.
