Donald Trump pictured in court as he pleads not guilty - updates as they happen

Donald Trump 'mugshot' T-shirt for sale on official online MAGA store DURING hearing

Donald Trump's mugshot was not taken while he was under arrest, however, his cheeky presidential campaign team could not afford to lose the opportunity to exploit what would have been an infamous image.

Mr Trump appeared before Judge Juan Merchan today and pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

While the former US President was being arraigned, a fundraiser email was sent out to his supporters promoting a T-shirt emblazoned with a fake mugshot.

The T-shirts went on sale in his online store for $47 (£37.86) each.

The email that his campaign team sent out, the contents of which quickly circulated on social media, prompted supporters to "stand with President Trump".

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Trump is selling T-shirts with a supposed mugshot to raise funds for his presidential campaign (Save America Store)

Trump's 34 charges REVEALED including '$30,000 paid to doorman over lovechild story'

The full list of 34 counts against former President Donald Trump was revealed today and claims the former president made a payment to squash a story about him having a child out of wedlock.

According to the indictment's statement of facts, a $30,000 (£24,000) payment was made to a doorman at Trump Tower by American Media (AMI), who knew about it.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

It is alleged that AMI "concluded the story was not true", leading AMI CEO David Pecker to try and release the doorman from his agreement, but a lawyer told the CEO not to release the doorman from his agreement until after the presidential election.

“In or about October or November 2015, the AMI CEO learned that a former Trump Tower doorman was trying to sell information regarding a child that the Defendant had allegedly fathered out of wedlock,” the document reads.

It claims that Pecker "negotiated and signed an agreement to pay the Doorman $30,000 to acquire exclusive rights to the story."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Gloomy Donald Trump walks towards the courtroom inside New York Criminal Court (JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump boards 'Trump Force One'

Donald Trump has boarded 'Trump Force One' - his private, monogrammed jet to fly back to Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

The ex-President is set to hold a news conference at 1.15am UK time (8.15pm US time).

Loudmouth, far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green may attend - if her tweet with a picture of the plane with the message "See you at MAL!" is anything to go by.

Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted a pic of the plane as Trump boarded it

District Attorney Alvin Bragg accuses Trump of 'catch and kill' scheme

New York district attorney Alvin Bragg has released a statement tonight, following Donald Trump's historic hearing.

The statement for his office said: "During the election, Trump and others employed a 'catch and kill' scheme to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects. Trump then went to great lengths to hide this conduct, causing dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws."

In quotes directly attributed to DA Bragg, he said: “The People of the State of New York allege that Donald J. Trump repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal crimes that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election.

“Manhattan is home to the country’s most significant business market. We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct. As the Statement of Facts describes, the trail of money and lies exposes a pattern that, the People allege, violates one of New York’s basic and fundamental business laws. As this office has done time and time again, we today uphold our solemn responsibility to ensure that everyone stands equal before the law.”

Trump's next court hearing set for December 4

Judge Juan Merchan has set the next hearing in Donald Trump's case to December 4, this year, it is emerging.

Trump warned by judge to not stir up unrest

Donald Trump has been warned by the judge to refrain from social media posts that could stir up unrest following messages critical of the prosecutor in the case against him.

A judge has warned former President Donald Trump to refrain from rhetoric that could inflame or cause civil unrest.

Judge Juan Merchan also warned Trump that he could be removed from the courtroom if he is disruptive, but Trump spoke only a few times to respond to questions. Trump stayed mostly still with his hands steepled or interlaced and looked ahead during the proceedings, which lasted just over an hour.

He's next due in court in December, but his lawyers asked for him to be excused from attending the hearing in person because of extraordinary security proceedings.

Trump enters his motorcade after leaving couer

'Conspiracy to undermine the integrity of 2016 election'

Prosecutor calls alleged Trump hush money payments part of 'conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election.'

Trump is accused of directing three different instances of hush money payments to cover up alleged affairs as details of the charges the former US president faces in New York were revealed.

Porn star Stormy Daniels posts VERY X-rated tweet poking fun at Donald Trump

Former pornstar Stormy Daniels has poked fun at former President Donald Trump on the day he was arraigned in court.

Real name Stephanie Gregory Clifford, Daniels released a graphic tweet the Mirror cannot publish in full.

She added later in the tweet: "It's definitely more fun being under my sexy man instead of under arrest."

Read the full story here

Stormy Daniels is a veteran of the adult movie industry (CBS via Getty Images)

Trump leaves courtroom and refuses to comment

Donald Trump has left the courtroom in Manhattan and refused to comment on the 34 charges he faces.

The former president is flying back to his home in Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, in Florida where he is expected to make a statement at around 8.15pm local time (1.15am UK time)

According to reports, Trump had wanted to comment outside the courtroom but his lawyers wanted to check his speech to ensure it was legally sound.

In addition, police in New York had advised against the former president delivering a speech amid security concerns with protesters.

Trump was seen leaving the court

Trump warned by judge about his use of language

The former president was warned by the judge about his "use of language" on social media, according to NBC.

Trump had his fingerprints taken and his details collected as he entered the court.

However, he was also warned by Judge Juan Merchan about his use of language on his social media.

The judge referred to one of Trump's post on Truth Social as "highly partisan".

Trump was reportedly warned by the judge (Seth Wenig/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump's indictment officially unsealed by judge

Donald Trump's indictment has been formally unsealed by Judge Juan Merchan.

All Trump's 34 charges are still to be revealed but he pleaded not guilty to counts including falsifying business records and his alleged role in paying hush money to two women, including porn star Stormy Daniels, during his 2016 presidential bid.

He's the first ex-president to face criminal charges.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump pleads not guilty to 34 charges

Former president Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records and for his alleged role in paying hush money to two women toward during his 2016 presidential campaign.

He entered the plea surrounded by his legal team.

The indictment, which is the first against a former president, was unsealed before Judge Juan Merchan.

Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges (Seth Wenig/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump pictured in court as he becomes first ex-US President to face criminal charges

The first picture of Donald Trump in court has been released.

He is surrounded by his legal team Joe Tacopina, Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche as he awaits his arraignment.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Donald Trump in court surrounded by his legal team (Seth Wenig/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump enters courtroom but remains silent

Donald Trump has entered the court room for the first time since his arrest.

The former president headed into the court room just 20 minutes after prosecutor, Alvin Bragg, was seen heading in the same direction.

Reporters shouted questions to the sombre president but he refused to answer them as he remained silent.

His arraignment will begin shortly.

Donald Trump entered court to hear the charges (Mary Altaffer/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Joe Biden's 'focus' is not on Trump's criminal trial

Melania could be set to divorce Donald Trump after alleged affairs

Donald Trump and Melania could be set to divorce as the pair lead seperate lives, according to sources.

Faced with having a porn star and a Playboy model both allege affairs with her husband, Melania's lack of public support for Donald did not go unnoticed as he appears before a judge for his historic court hearing today.

Reports suggest Melania is living in Mar-a-Lago concentrating on raising the couple’s 17-year-old son, Barron.

Read More here

Melania and Donald could be heading for a divorce (Getty Images)

Prosecution faces 'a lot of hurdles' to find Trump guilty

The prosecution faces "a lot of hurdles" to find Donald Trump guilty, according to a leading criminal defence lawyer.

Julie Rendelman said prosecutors will have to prove beyond reasonable doubt Trump paid hush money to Stormy Daniels in order to protect his 2016 campaign bid.

She told Sky News: "There are a lot of hurdles for the prosecution to get over to find him guilty beyond reasonable doubt."

Aerial shot of demonstrators gathering outside the court (Mary Altaffer/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump formally arrested

Former president Donald Trump has been formally arrested.

It is the first time in US history a current or former president has charged.

According to the Secret Service detail, Trump will not be handcuffed.

A Trump impersonator outside the court (WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump 'can't believe' he's going to be arrested

Donald Trump admitted he "can't believe" he is going to be arrested as he made his feelings clear on the way to court.

He posted on Truth Social: "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!"

He is due to be fingerprinted and have his mugshot taken.

Trump will then will head to the 15th floor in the courtroom where the charges will be read.

He is due to plead "not guilty."

Trump made his feelings clear on the way to the court (John Angelillo/UPI/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump arrives at court

Donald Trump has arrived at court to face his arraignment.

The former president was seen waving to supporters who had camped out to support the 76-year-old.

According to Trump's lawyers, he will plead "not guilty" to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels in the run up to 2016 election.

Donald Trump arriving at court (John Angelillo/UPI/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump departs home and heads to court

Donald Trump has departed his New York home and is heading to court in lower Manhattan.

Trump's team, which included his lawyers, were seen with him as he entered into a car to hear the charges against him.

Trump will be formally arrested and fingerprinted before appearing at his arraignment.

According to his team, the former president was said to be in a "defiant" mood.

He was seen raising his fist as he posed for pictures before leaving the property.

Donald Trump is said to be in a "defiant" mood (Bryan Woolston/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump Jr launches "stop the political persecution of President Trump" petition

Donald Trump Jr has asked people to sign a petition to "stop the political persecution of President Trump".

The petition, which was launched just minutes ago, was posted on Trump's Twitter and Truth Social page.

A petition has been launched "to stop the political persecution of President Trump" (AFP via Getty Images)

So far, the petition on American Centre for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has seen over 69,000 signatures.

It is on course to hit its target of 100,000.

The petition calls the indictment of the former president as a "despicable case of political prosecutors taking out candidates they don't like" and something to expect in "third-world dictatorships, not America".

Former Donald Trump advisor labels prosecutor 'biased'

Donald Trump's former advisor has labelled Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg "biased" as he awaits felony charges.

Sam Nunberg, a former Trump campaign official and lawyer, believes it is a political indictment - with 85% of Republicans feeling the charges against Trump are politically motivated.

He also claimed 40% of independents believe it is a political indictment.

His former advisor told Sky News: "You even have some Democrats saying that politics played a role in this charge.

"I'm not here to defend this charge vis-a-vis 6 January, I don't know if he'll face charges from the Biden DoJ and I'm not here to defend him in regards to the documents issue.

"What I am here to say is that when it comes to this indictment... it is arbitrary, it is capricious.

"The prosectuor is biased."

A Trump supporter showing his support for the former president (AFP via Getty Images)

'Hillary Clinton' spotted at court

'Hillary Clinton' made a suprise visit to the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse building.

She had a sign with her which said "Lock him up."

Even though it was a cardboard cutout, supporters were keen to show who they thought should be facing charges.

It comes after the 2016 presdential campaign when Trump said he would "Lock her up" over her private emails when she was secretary of state.

'Hillary Clinton' appeared outside court with protesters (WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Scandal-plagued Republican Congressman George Santos arrives at court

Disgraced Republican Congressman George Santos arrived at court to attend a pro-Trump protest.

Mr Santos is at the centre of a storm after he was accused of holding jobs he never had and lying about his heritage.

He was labelled by some voters as a "total fraud".

Mr Santos was heckled by anti-Trump supporters as one protester shouted: “George, you should have shown up in drag!”

Republican Representative George Santos arrives outside New York Criminal Court (WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Pro and anti Trump supporters clash as threat of violence looms

Pro and anti Trump supporters have been caught clashing outside the court house - as the threat of violence looms just before the former president hears the indictment charges against him.

One Trump supporter was seen shouting into a police cone to try and drown out Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's speech, which was delivered through a megaphone.

She had attracted a fringe group of Trump supporters who came down to show support to the 79-year-old.

New York Police Departments were trying to clam down some of the groups clashing as hundreds marched through the crowds.

Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor's speech was being drowned out by anti Trump supporters (AFP via Getty Images)

One supporter shouted down: "We don’t speak MAGA here in New York City - go back to Georgia!"

Maverick Stow, a 19-year-old estate agent in New York, said police were actively trying to discourage supporters from protesting.

He told the New York Post: "Regular people can’t get anywhere near the sidewalk around the courthouse."

“Why?! It’s public property isn’t it?”

Donald Trump demands court case to be moved as he faces "well known Trump haters"

Donald Trump has demanded his court case is moved as he slammed "the well known Trump haters" prosecuting him.

He took to Truth Social to criticse the court case being held in New York and believes it should be held in a "fair location."

He posted: "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.

"ADDITIONALLY, THE HIGHLY PARTISAN JUDGE & HIS FAMILY ARE WELL KNOWN TRUMP HATERS. HE WAS AN UNFAIR DISASTER ON A PREVIOUS TRUMP RELATED CASE, WOULDN’T RECUSE, GAVE HORRIBLE JURY INSTRUCTIONS, & IMPOSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH DURING THE WITCH HUNT TRIAL.

"HIS DAUGHTER WORKED FOR “KAMALA” & NOW THE BIDEN-HARRIS CAMPAIGN. KANGAROO COURT!!!"

Trump has demanded the court case be moved (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's campaign "will be boosted" if he's acquitted

Donald Trump's campaign to win the Republican nomination "will be boosted" if he's acquitted.

That's according to Inderjeet Parmar, Professor of International Politics at City, University of London, who believes any charges dropped against him will allow Trump "to cry political persecution."

In addition, Americans will see Trump as a "fighter for liberal American values and more moral authority" despite some of his support base unwilling to come to terms with the consequences of January 6 Capitol Hill riots.

Pro and anti Trump supporters have been gathering outside the court house (AFP via Getty Images)

He said: "If Donald Trump is acquitted, then he will be boosted in his campaign to win the Republican nomination in the primaries. Acquittal empowers him and allows him to cry political persecution, as well as proclaiming himself as a fighter for liberal American values and more moral authority which could not be further from the truth.

"However, America's political class is still unwilling to come to terms with the full horror and consequences of 6 January, reluctant to face the far-right storm should Trump face the full force of the law. An acquittal in New York could irreparably harm the chances of successfully prosecuting Trump on more serious charges.

"In that regard, the Stormy Daniels indictment is largely political theatre, a distraction from the really important matter of far-right threats to American democracy from within the GOP and white supremacist allies.

"The world should take heed when one half of the US party political system no longer accepts the outcome of free and fair elections when it is on the losing end."

Trump supporters clash outside court house

Pro and anti Trump supporters faced off outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City as tensions rise over the former president's indictment charges.

A Trump support was seen throwing herself over an anti-Trump banner during a tug of war and yelled: "You're on the wrong side!"

A supporter of former US President Donald Trump tears up a banner from anti trump supporters during a protest (AFP via Getty Images)

Whilst another Trump supporter shouted: "Get out of here you old bag of bones!"

Donald Trump supporter EXPLODES at reporter in live broadcast

A Donald Trump supporter angrily confronted a TV news reporter during a live broadcast.

Nine TV US correspondent Alison Piotrowski was reporting on the former president's charges when she was interrupted by a female Trump fan.

She labelled Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges against Trump, "a criminal."

Read the full story here

The Trump supporter aggressively points in the reporter's face (news 9)