Former US President Donald Trump has been in custody since entering the Manhattan courthouse building, awaiting the filing of charges against him in the case of paying money to adult film star Stormy Daniels, marking a precedent in United States history.

Photographers captured Trump, who appeared with a stern face on his way to the courtroom.

Trump had arrived at the court in a convoy from Trump Tower where he spent the night. In a sign of defiance, he looked at the media cameras in front of the court and raised his fist, then continued on his way into the building.
 

Trump wrote on his "Truth Social" account: "My appearance in court is surreal... They will arrest me and I can't believe that this is happening in America."

The White House announced that the former president’s appearance before a criminal court in Manhattan "is not a priority" for President Joe Biden. 

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that the president "will of course follow some updates when he has time to keep up with the news of the day, but this is not a priority for him."

In a scene captured from the air, Trump’s convoy, consisting of 11 cars, arrived just before 1:30 local time directly at the office of the prosecutor, which is part of the high-rise criminal courts building in Manhattan.

The New York Times reported that during his detention, his fingerprints will be taken, but special arrangements will be made for the former president, as he will spend only a short time at the office before appearing in court, and he likely will not have his hands restrained or have a mugshot taken.

Supporters and opponents gathered at "Collect Pond Park" in front of the Manhattan Criminal Court amidst a heavy security presence.

A number of TV networks took precautionary measures and brought gas masks for their staff against tear gas.

Meanwhile, light skirmishes began between supporters and opponents of Trump, separated by the police, with expectations of an increase in the number of protesters.

Donald Trump has become the first former or sitting US president to be criminally charged, in a case involving payment to Daniels.

The 76-year-old former Republican president and candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections was summoned to appear before the judge at 14:15 local time (18:15 GMT) to be informed of the charges against him.

The Manhattan court, surrounded by a wide security spread, attracts significant media attention. Local and international media documented on Monday step by step and often through live broadcasts, Trump's journey from his residence in Florida to New York.

Cameras were not allowed inside the courtroom after a judge decided so on Monday evening, according to US media.
Trump, who asserts his innocence and says he is the victim of a "witch hunt," left his tower residence on Fifth Avenue in New York just after noon on Tuesday.

It is certain that Trump will plead not guilty, as his defense team previously announced.

The former president will be released, but likely under conditions, pending the start of the trial.

Trump scheduled a gathering for his supporters in Florida on Tuesday evening where he will hold a press conference at 20:15 (00:15 GMT Wednesday).

On Tuesday, Trump again criticized via his platform "Truth Social" the "kangaroo court," referring to the body ignoring laws and principles of justice, and to a "very biased" judge.

Demonstrations
The investigation under which Trump appears before the judge concerns the payment of $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election to buy her silence about a sexual relationship she alleges he had with her.

Trump did not disclose this amount in his presidential campaign accounts at the time, potentially violating state election laws and recorded it as "legal expenses" in his company’s accounts based in New York.

On Tuesday morning, Trump supporters and opponents, all fewer in number than the journalists and police deployed at the site, exchanged accusations, with opponents raising a large banner reading "Trump lies all the time."

New York City’s Democratic Mayor Eric Adams expected protesters to remain calm but warned of possible "troublemakers" among them.

This is not the only case Trump faces.

There is also the case of the attack by a crowd of his supporters on the Capitol building on January 6, 2021.

Among the main cases pursued against the 45th president of the United States are allegations that he pressured election officials in Georgia in 2020, and an investigation into how he handled the White House archives.