A federal judge in New York dismissed the lawsuit filed by writer Michael Wolff against first lady Melania Trump, in a new legal episode related to the author's statements about Melania's alleged connection with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The court decision represents a victory for Melania Trump and a setback for Wolff, who sought to preempt a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit stemming from her public comments.

The Associated Press detailed that federal Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil called Wolff's legal challenge a "twisted" attempt to use federal courts to preempt litigation that did not yet formally exist.

Legal dispute revolves around Jeffrey Epstein

The conflict began after Alejandro Brito, Melania Trump's lawyer, sent a letter to Wolff warning him that he would face legal action if he did not retract statements that, according to the defense, caused "enormous damage" to the first lady's reputation and finances.

Wolff responded by filing a lawsuit last October with the intention of having a court declare that his comments did not constitute defamation and that, if he is later sued, Melania Trump would assume costs and possible compensation.

However, Vyskocil rejected the approach and criticized what it described as “inappropriate gaming tactics” on the part of the writer.

“This court will not allow itself to be recruited to oversee an abusively presented dispute,” the judge wrote in her 45-page ruling.

The judge, appointed by Donald Trump during his administration, maintained that both parties do have a legitimate dispute, but stressed that the case must follow ordinary judicial processes.

Melania hardens stance against accusations

Last April, Melania Trump offered a public statement from the White House in which she flatly denied any ties to Epstein and accused her critics of spreading “baseless lies.”

“The lies linking me to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein must end today,” the first lady said.

Melania's spokesman, Nick Clemens, welcomed the court decision and assured that she will continue to confront those who "spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods."

For his part, Wolff argued in his lawsuit that the Trump family has used legal threats to intimidate critics and journalists, creating — according to him — a “climate of fear” that affects freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment.