Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff's Defamation Suit Against Melania Trump

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed Michael Wolff's lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump in Manhattan federal court.
She called the filing an abusive pre-emptive action and described both sides' conduct as tactical gamesmanship.
The judge ruled the dispute must follow ordinary litigation procedures and refused to rule on the underlying defamation question.
She noted the case was properly removed to federal court because the parties are citizens of different states.

History

Historical Context

In 1964 the Warren Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (authored by Justice William J. Brennan), struck down a $500,000 verdict and required public officials to prove actual malice, a rule born from a 1960 civil-rights ad. The standard still guides courts, as seen when Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed Michael Wolff’s 2024 defamation claim against Melania Trump for procedural deficiencies.

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Story summary

Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed Michael Wolff's lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump in Manhattan federal court.
She called the filing an abusive pre-emptive action and described both sides' conduct as tactical gamesmanship.
The judge ruled the dispute must follow ordinary litigation procedures and refused to rule on the underlying defamation question.
She noted the case was properly removed to federal court because the parties are citizens of different states.

1 / 2