Donald Trump court case as it happened: defiant ex-President says US is ‘going to hell’ as he attacks case

Prior to his appearance at the Manhattan courthouse, Donald Trump has posted another rant - all in capital letters - on the Truth Social platform. Trump called for the hearing to be moved to Staten Island - the New York borough where he got the highest vote share in 2020. It's highly unlikely this would be granted, as the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has brought the charges.

Trump said: "VERY UNFAIR VENUE, WITH SOME AREAS THAT VOTED 1% REPUBLICAN. THIS CASE SHOULD BE MOVED TO NEARBY STATEN ISLAND - WOULD BE A VERY FAIR AND SECURE LOCATION FOR THE TRIAL."

He also described Judge Juan Merchan as a "Trump hater".

The front of the courthouse descended into a cacophony of cheers, jeers and whistles as far-right US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attempted to rally Trump's supporters.

Greene is the headliner for the pro-Trump rally near the Manhattan courthouse where the former president will be arraigned, the BBC reports.

Despite shouting into a bullhorn, Greene's speech was nearly drowned by anti-Trump protestors. One woman blew into a piercing police whistle, calling out: "We don’t speak MAGA here in New York City - go back to Georgia!”

Next to her, a pro-Trump supporter was using an app on her phone that sounds like an air horn siren, in a competing attempt to drown out the anti-Trump whistles, BBC reporters at the scene said.

The New York Times reports a crowd followed Greene as she left the scene, some even banging on the windows of her car as it pulled away.

Donald Trump should be appearing at the courthouse in Manhattan, New York City, soon. He will be booked in and have his finger prints taken - however reports are that he won't have a mug shot (so you'll have to make do with NationalWorld's own version). The former President then may speak to the media prior to the hearing at 7.15pm BST, however he may wait until after before making any comment. He is expected to jet back to Florida tonight. The area around the Manhattan courthouse has been sealed by police, with protesters gathering around the building. Special officers have been drafted in to help the NYPD.

Advisors say Trump plans to say one brief line before entering the courtroom, saving the rest of his remarks for his full address when he returns to Florida.

His aides have told CNN they hope that is the extent of his remarks until he speaks at Mar-a-Lago, but noted that he could chart his own course.

The former president has reportedly been warned that any unplanned remarks put him at risk of hurting his legal case. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago speech is expected to be looked over by lawyers before he delivers it tonight.

Reporters at the scene say Trump’s motorcade has left Trump Tower, to head to the courthouse downtown.

Trump's 12-car motorcade - which includes two limousines, police, and secret service vehicles - is currently making its way to New York County Criminal Court where the former president is expected to surrender.

Trump held his hand up in a fist to waiting journalists, supporters, and protestors as he departed Trump Tower.

Trump has now arrived, and has entered the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building.

Trump is still not expected to appear before a judge until about 2.15pm local time. For now, he is expected to spend a short time in custody in the district attorney’s office, where his fingerprints will be taken, the New York Times reports.

Helicopters buzzed overhead and protesters and supporters alike shouted from behind separate barricades as Trump arrived at court, a BBC reporter at the scene said. Police ushered members of the media inside, as the day's main events got underway.

Trump reportedly entered the courthouse largely undetected by the throng outside the front of the building. It is understood the former president entered through a more discreet entrance, accompanied by secret service agents.

Trump has reportedly posted on Truth Social - a social media platform he started himself - as he was on his way to court, CNN reports.

The post reads:

“Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”

Donald Trump has now entered a New York courtroom for his arraignment, where he is expected to plead not guilty.

While the judge has declined media applications to stream the case live, select media outlets will be allowed to take several photos before proceedings begin.

Details about the more than 30 charges the former president is facing will soon be revealed, as the grand jury indictment will be unsealed during the arraignment.