WATCH: Donald Trump arrives at court - 'This is an ASSAULT on America, I'm proud to be here!'

Former US President Donald Trump addressed the media as he arrived at a Manhattan courthouse ahead of trial, accused of paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Addressing the gathered crowd, Trump said: "Nothing like this has ever happened before."

He added: "This should never have been brought. It doesn't deserve anything like this. There is no case, and they have said it."

The 77-year-old also labelled the court case an "outrage" and a "political persecution like never before".

At the end of his speech he said: "This is an assault on America and that is why I am very proud to be here."

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