Author Michael Wolff Sues Melania Trump Over Defamation Campaign

Michael Wolff, a journalist and author known for his contentious relationship with President Donald Trump, has filed a lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump, accusing her of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to damage his reputation and block the publication of his forthcoming book, "The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump (Redux)." Wolff alleges that Melania Trump and her team falsely accused him of fabricating interviews and intimidating sources, actions he claims were motivated by profit and intended to silence his reporting, including on sensitive topics related to Jeffrey Epstein. The First Lady's legal team reportedly sent Wolff a threat letter demanding he cease making defamatory statements or face a $1 billion lawsuit, which Wolff counters as an attempt to intimidate critics and suppress legitimate journalistic inquiry. Wolff is suing under New York's anti-SLAPP laws, designed to protect free speech against strategic lawsuits aimed at censorship, and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as well as coverage of his legal fees. Melania Trump's attorney has labeled Wolff a "serial fabulist," and the dispute has expanded amid allegations involving Epstein's connections, which Wolff is considering exploring in another book. This legal confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between Wolff and the Trump family, reflecting broader battles over media freedom and political influence.