Trump Requests Excused Absence From Civil Trial Over Rape Allegations to Avoid 'Logistical Burdens'

A federal judge said Trump's request for special jury instructions in the case is “premature.”
Trump’s lawyer wants the jury to know that if Trump doesn’t attend, it would be to spare New York City the burden of keeping him safe.
Trump’s lawyer proposed telling the jury Trump’s absence avoided logistical burdens, but the judge denied delaying the trial.
Trump wants to be absent from the trial, and his lawyer says his security arrangements would burden New Yorkers if he appeared.
Trump may testify in person at the trial over E. Jean Carroll’s claims he raped her, but his lawyer says attending would be difficult due to his former office.