Melania Trump files for sanctions against Michael Wolff over Epstein-linked allegations he made
Her legal team argued the first lady should be granted the sanctions because Wolff allegedly manufactured a jurisdictional dispute in an attempt to keep the case in New York state court, used litigation for improper purposes and made a "frivolous" claim.
By Misty Severi
Published: July 22, 2026 6:25pm
First lady Melania Trump filed a motion for sanctions Tuesday against journalist Michael Wolff, after he tried to sue her to prevent her from suing him over allegedly defamatory statements he made regarding her and Jeffrey Epstein.
The first lady is now looking to recover costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in Wolff's lawsuit, along with other appropriate relief, saying the lawsuit was "a fundraising drive and a political spectacle," according to Fox News.
Her legal team argued the first lady should be granted the sanctions because Wolff allegedly manufactured a jurisdictional dispute in an attempt to keep the case in New York state court, used litigation for improper purposes and made a "frivolous" claim.
"Plaintiff and his counsel asserted a legally frivolous claim, propped it up with factual contentions that lacked any evidentiary support, and used them to run a political and commercial campaign," her team said in the filing. "They should pay for Mrs. Trump’s fees and expenses incurred for the process they abused."
The legal team argued Wolff wrongly claimed the first lady was heavily involved in the Epstein scandal, despite her denying a friendship with the late convicted sex-offender and his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," the first lady said in April. "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."
https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/melania-trump-files-motion-sanctions-against-michael-wolff-over-epstein