A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed a lawsuit filed by author and journalist Michael Wolff against First Lady Melania Trump. U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil declined to exercise jurisdiction, determining that Wolff’s legal approach was inappropriate for resolving the disagreement.
The dispute followed statements Wolff made connecting Melania Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. According to the case account, attorney Alejandro Brito sent Wolff a letter demanding removal of the disputed statements and warning of possible defamation proceedings over alleged reputational and financial harm.
Rather than waiting for a defamation lawsuit, Wolff sought a federal court declaration that would favor his position in any future case. Judge Vyskocil rejected the request, criticizing the filing’s tactical approach and emphasizing that genuine disagreements must still satisfy established legal requirements and jurisdictional rules.
Importantly, the dismissal does not determine whether Wolff’s statements were accurate or whether a future defamation claim would succeed. It addresses the procedural suitability of his lawsuit rather than resolving the underlying allegations. Any subsequent legal proceedings would require independent consideration under applicable laws. The ruling illustrates how federal courts distinguish between substantive disputes and the legal authority needed to decide them.