Judge Tosses Wolff Suit, Clearing Path For $1B Melania Claim
A federal judge dismissed journalist Michael Wolff’s lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump on Wednesday, clearing the way for Trump to pursue her own legal action against him.
Manhattan Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil ruled that Wolff’s case represented an “inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship” and called the lawsuit “contorted.” She acknowledged both parties had a legitimate dispute but declined to oversee what she characterized as an “abusively presented spat.”
What Led to the Lawsuit
Melania Trump’s legal team sent Wolff a cease-and-desist letter last year demanding he remove statements he made about her and warning of legal action if he refused. Wolff responded by filing suit in state court in October, arguing the threats were an attempt to silence him.
Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, moved the case to federal court. Vyskocil determined the court had jurisdiction but chose to dismiss the case, allowing it to proceed in state court.
The Disputed Claims
Wolff claimed in his lawsuit that statements about Trump were taken out of context and constituted protected speech, including his characterization of the Trump marriage as a “sham” and “trophy marriage.” He also stated he never accused the first lady of criminal involvement related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Daily Beast retracted an article last summer titled “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author” after receiving Brito’s letter. In the original interview with Wolff, he said Trump was “behind the scenes” at the White House regarding the matter but was not criminally involved.
Trump’s Defense
A Melania Trump spokesperson stated 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.” Trump’s legal team has claimed the statements caused her “overwhelming reputational and financial harm.”
Melania Trump denied any association with Epstein during an April press conference. “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said, calling those who made such claims “devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect.”
Congressional Response
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace praised Melania Trump for her statements against Epstein and noted her advocacy for legislation addressing non-consensual intimate images. “The truth will prevail,” Mace said.
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia called for a public congressional hearing on the matter. “We agree with First Lady Melania Trump’s call for a public hearing,” Garcia said, urging House leadership to schedule proceedings immediately.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting staff contributed to this report.