Donald Trump Says Criminal Case Against Him Is "Assault On America"

Trump did not disrupt proceedings, which were largely technical, as he has done in other cases.

"Good morning, Mr Trump."The innocuous greeting from a New York judge belied the grim expression on Donald Trump's face as he sat flanked by his lawyers in the Manhattan Criminal Courts Monday.

While his legal team tussled with the prosecution over what evidence could be admitted, the first former US president to face a criminal trial appeared to listen intently and -- barring a few words spoken in response to Judge Juan Merchan -- silently.

The case, which could prove enormously consequential for both Trump and the country, is being heard in courtroom 1530 inside an imposing, scaffolding-clad Art Deco courthouse on New York City's Centre Street.