Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Preemptive Lawsuit Against Melania Trump

NEW YORK — A federal judge has dismissed author Michael Wolff’s lawsuit against former First Lady Melania Trump, ruling that his preemptive attempt to block a potential defamation suit by her was not properly before the court.

U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed the case on Friday, stating that Wolff’s action was an improper attempt to litigate out of order. Wolff had filed the suit in October 2025 under New York’s anti-SLAPP law after Melania Trump’s lawyer sent him a cease-and-desist letter threatening a $1 billion defamation lawsuit.

The dispute centered on statements Wolff made in his books and interviews regarding Melania Trump’s alleged knowledge of or connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Melania Trump’s legal team demanded he retract the claims and apologize, warning of legal action if he refused. Wolff responded by suing first, seeking to stop her from pursuing defamation claims.

In her ruling, Judge Vyskocil criticized both sides for tactical gamesmanship but ultimately dismissed Wolff’s case on prudential abstention grounds, meaning the issues should be litigated in the normal course if Melania Trump chooses to file her own suit. The judge noted there is a real underlying dispute but that Wolff could not use the courts preemptively in this manner.

Wolff’s lawsuit alleged that Melania Trump’s threats were designed to chill his First Amendment rights. Melania Trump has strongly denied any improper relationship or knowledge involving Epstein and has maintained that Wolff’s reporting was false and damaging.

This marks a significant legal victory for Melania Trump. No defamation lawsuit has been filed by her against Wolff at this time. Wolff has not yet commented publicly on the dismissal.

The case drew attention due to its high-profile parties and the ongoing public interest in books about the Trump family. The ruling reinforces limits on using anti-SLAPP statutes for preemptive strikes in such disputes.