Former US president Donald Trump made a video appearance on Tuesday in a hearing for his New York criminal case, with the judge tentatively setting a trial date for late March of next year.
The hearing lasted about 15 minutes.
Mr Trump’s video feed was muted for most of the hearing, allowing him to confer freely with his lawyer, Todd Blanche, who sat by his side in front of a backdrop of American flags.
The former president, who is seeking a return to the White House, has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges over alleged hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
Justice Juan Merchan set the trial date for March 25, 2024.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Blanche told Mr Merchan that Mr Trump, who was joining the hearing from Florida, understood that he could not disclose certain evidence in the case to third parties, including to news outlets and on social media.
The restrictions on Mr Trump concern grand jury minutes, witness statements and other materials that prosecutors are required to turn over to the defence to prepare for trial.
Prosecutors have said the order was needed because of Mr Trump's history of personal attacks on social media and the risk that witnesses might be harassed.
-
Former US president Donald Trump appears in court in New York City with members of his legal team for an arraignment on charges from his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury after an inquiry into hush money paid to an adult film actress. Reuters -
Mr Trump at the defence table with his team of lawyers. AP -
Mr Trump arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. Reuters -
Mr Trump walks towards the Manhattan Criminal Court room in New York. EPA -
The former president leaves Trump Tower for Manhattan criminal court in New York. AP -
Mr Trump arrives at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse after his indictment by a grand jury. Reuters -
Mr Trump arrives at the Manhattan District Attorney's office. AP -
Mr Trump leaves Trump Tower in New York before a hearing during which he will face criminal charges. AP -
Police gather outside the courthouse, where Mr Trump will be arraigned. Getty / AFP -
Supporters of the former US president protest outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York City. AFP -
A Trump supporter yells at members of the press outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office. AFP -
A Trump supporter holds a placard outside Trump Tower on the day of Mr Trump's planned court appearance. Reuters -
Anti-Trump protesters unfurl a banner outside the court. Bloomberg -
A person dressed as Mr Trump rides past Trump Tower. AFP -
Supporters of Mr Trump argue with counter-protesters outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office. AFP -
A flag with an image of Mr Trump waves outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Reuters -
Opponents of Mr Trump protest outside the Manhattan District Attorney's office. AFP -
A supporter of former President Donald Trump protests outside Trump Tower in New York. AP Photo -
People gather at Collect Pond Park to show their support, or lack thereof, for Mr Trump. EPA -
Supporters of Mr Trump stand near Trump Tower in New York, New York. EPA
Mr Trump has already been warned to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. He has previously called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is black, a “racist in reverse” and an “animal”.
The judge had previously ruled that Mr Trump is free to discuss most of the evidence in the case, which comes from Mr Trump's defence.
“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,” Mr Bragg said in a statement.
The former president has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels and denies any wrongdoing.
