A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by author Michael Wolff against first lady Melania Trump, ruling that his preemptive legal action was an improper attempt to gain an advantage in a potential defamation dispute.
Background of the Case
Wolff, known for writing four books about Donald Trump, filed the lawsuit last year in response to a threatened defamation action by Melania Trump. The first lady demanded an apology for Wolff's comments regarding the administration's handling of files related to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, but she did not receive one.
Wolff's suit aimed to establish that his statements were non-defamatory, thereby heading off a billion-dollar legal action that Melania Trump had threatened. However, US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil ruled against Wolff, stating that his claim was “preemptive” and presented in a “somewhat contorted posture.”
Judge's Ruling
In a 45-page ruling, Judge Vyskocil wrote, “The plaintiff asks for a declaration that, if the first lady sues him, he deserves to win. That is not how the federal courts work.” She acknowledged that Wolff and the first lady have a real dispute but emphasized that they must litigate it according to standard procedures.
Vyskocil, appointed by Donald Trump, criticized Wolff for seeking special treatment by trying to litigate out of order. She accused him of “textbook bad-faith forum shopping” by filing his claim in New York before Trump could file her defamation suit in Florida. The judge noted that Wolff had won “the race to the courthouse” but exhibited an “inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship.”
“The outcome is simple,” Vyskocil continued. “The court will not be conscripted to oversee an abusively presented spat and so declines to reach the merits here.”
Legal Maneuvers
Wolff initially sued in New York state court, but Melania Trump's attorneys had the case transferred to federal court and later sought to have it dismissed or moved to a federal court in Florida. Judge Vyskocil determined that while federal court does have jurisdiction, she was declining to exercise it and dismissed the case to be litigated like any other.
Wolff, who was revealed in justice department files to have had extensive communications with Epstein about Donald Trump's first presidential run, faced criticism for his legal strategy.
Response from Melania Trump
Nick Clemens, a spokesperson for Melania Trump, stated that 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 decision comes after Melania Trump made a statement at the White House denying any affiliation with Epstein. She said, “The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.” She added, “I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.”
