Judge denies Trump's request for special treatment in civil rape trial.

A federal judge has rejected former President Trump's legal team's argument that his appearance at an upcoming trial would be too much of a burden on New York City. Trump's lawyer requested that the judge instruct jurors that Trump "wishes to appear" at the trial but his absence "avoids the logistical burdens that his presence, as the former president, would cause the courthouse and New York City." The judge declared the special jury instructions request "premature" because the former president is currently not legally required to either appear or testify in the trial.