Former US President Donald Trump consults with lawyers at Trump Tower in New York City as he prepares to face historic criminal charges.
He is under investigation before the 2016 election for hush money paid to a porn star he says he had sex with. He denies wrongdoing.
Authorities have taken extra security measures outside the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday in anticipation of protests.
Mr Trump, 76, is the first former US president to face a criminal trial.
“WITCH HUNT,” the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly before flying from his home in Florida to New York on Monday — a trip that garnered coverage across American news channels.
On Tuesday morning, dozens of police and court officers, as well as Secret Service agents, are expected to escort Mr. Trump from the streets of New York to the lower Manhattan court complex.
The charges he faces will be fully disclosed at the hearing, which is scheduled for around 14:15 local time (19:15 BST). His lawyers have already said he will plead not guilty.
The former president is expected to surrender first to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He will then be arraigned – that is, the charges will be read to him, and he will plead.
Mr Trump is under investigation into a $130,000 (£105,000) wire transfer from his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Mr Trump has denied having a sexual encounter with Ms Daniels.
The hush money deals are not illegal, but a Manhattan prosecutor is investigating whether business records were falsified in connection with the payment.
According to American media, Mr. Trump faces at least one serious charge in this case. Other reports indicate that his indictment has about 30 counts.
Media outlets lobbied Judge Joan Murchan to allow cameras inside the courtroom, a move Mr. Trump’s legal team opposed because they said it would create a “circus-like atmosphere in court.” will go”.
But on Monday night, Judge Murchan ruled that some press photographers would be allowed to take pictures for several minutes before the trial officially began.
The former president is expected to be released on bail and return to his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on Tuesday evening, where he plans to deliver remarks at 20:15 local time.
Millions watched their journey from Palm Beach to Manhattan at lunchtime on Monday.
Live trackers followed his plane — along with the red, white and blue painted “Trump” — during the nearly four-hour flight from West Palm Beach to LaGuardia Airport in Queens.
In anticipation of his arrival, the intersection around Trump Tower — the former president’s Manhattan residence — was thronged with New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Dozens of media crews camped out on every available corner while at least five news helicopters hovered high above Fifth Avenue.
Mr Trump waved to media and crowds before entering the skyscraper under heavy security, just after 16:15 local time (20:15 GMT).
