Trump arrives to Manhattan courthouse flanked by top Republicans

Former President Trump arrived to his New York criminal trial flanked by a large group of powerful Republican supporters on Tuesday.

Trump spoke with reporters outside the courtroom, complaining about various aspects of the trial. Behind him could be seen House Speaker Mike Johnson, Reps. Byron Donalds and Cory Mills, Gov. Doug Burgum, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

"I've been here in the icebox--I call it the icebox--for almost five weeks, listening to this highly conflicted judge," Trump said, criticizing Judge Juan Merchan. Lawyers on both sides of the courtroom have commented on the cold temperature inside.

Trump gave a shout out to each of the Republicans, saying they would later speak to the press. However, only Trump is allowed to give comments to the press outside the courtroom, he said.

Several of the Republicans in attendance are known to be vying to be selected as Trump's running mate, including Burgum and Ramaswamy. The latter offered his thoughts in a lengthy post on social media Tuesday morning.