Donald Trump appears at New York City Supreme Court for jury duty

DONALD Trump just showed up for jury duty, and it was every bit the spectacle one would expect from the controversial presidential candidate.

DONALD Trump turned up for jury duty in New York overnight and it was the spectacle everyone would expect, with about 100 reporters and television crews circling his black limousine.

The outrageous (and outrageously rich) presidential candidate was joined by a ring of security guards who were there to protect one of the most divisive figures in the country.

A source close to Mr Trump told news.com.au that the controversial Republican was just a “normal guy who just happens to be a billionaire”.

“There’s a down-to-earth guy that nobody really knows,” he said. “They only see him on television, they don’t see him in real life, they don’t see him in person, they don’t know what he’s like.

“He’s a big family man, he’s into his family. He likes steak and hamburgers like everybody else.

“He’s so down to earth. He’s a big shot, but he’s a normal, regular guy. He likes steak and potatoes like everyone else.”

And, in case I ever get to meet Mr Trump: “Fist bump him. Don’t shake his hand. He doesn’t like that.”

Mr Trump had arrived at Manhattan Supreme Court to possibly be selected to cast a verdict in a trial, but was released along with other jurors early in the afternoon. Court officials reported no juries were needed for the few cases eligible for trial in the month of August.

One potential juror told ABC’s Brad Mielke, “God I hope I’m not in the box (next to) him. I am as far away from him politically as I can get.”

But fans didn’t care, with Mr Trump happily signing an autograph as he walked into the entrance of the court, and even fist bumping New York tour guide Joe Lepore.

“2016 all the way, Donald. It’s going to be a landslide,” Mr Lepore shouted behind him.

The outspoken personality, dressed in a blue suit and a striped tie, has surprised political pundits in the polls despite his controversial comments on issues such as immigration and women.

He is currently the front-runner of the 17 Republican presidential candidates, despite being lambasted from both sides of the political spectrum for his “offensive” references to Mexican immigrants as rapists, and journalist Megyn Kelly’s menstrual cycle.

But that is the divisive nature of Mr Trump, dividing opinions on core issues at the heart of America’s social, justice and political system. Some love him. Others, well, not quite.

“Who’s he going to piss off next?” asked one intrigued onlooker at the court.

“It’s like he doesn’t want to be president. He just wants the publicity. It’s free publicity for all his businesses. He can’t be reigned in.”

Another onlooker, dressed in a worn blue cap, frayed white shirt and tattered jeans, asked what all the fuss is about.

“Trump?” He questioned, then shook his head and walked away.

It’s all in the fist bump. Picture: Seth Wenig

Not everyone is keen to walk away from the man making the biggest headlines of the 2016 presidential race.

As his limo rolls up, the media follows.

“I’m ready, I’m ready,” he shouts, before answering questions surrounding his immigration plan, including a commitment to build a wall across the US-Mexico border, which he would force Mexico to help pay for.

“The Mexican government has taken the United States to the cleaners,” Trump wrote in an official statement.

“They are responsible for this problem, and they must help pay to clean it up. We will not be taken advantage of anymore.”

YES! There is a Snapchatter in jury duty with @realDonaldTrump this morning pic.twitter.com/ucENDV3LmU

— Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) August 17, 2015

Mr Trump isn’t the first celebrity to report for jury duty in New York, where celebrity reigns supreme. Caroline Kennedy, Woody Allen, Spike Lee and Madonna have all been picked in potential jury pools.

While nothing is ever predictable about Mr Trump, at the end of the day, the most likely outcome occurred. He was released without being selected, and won’t have to front for jury duty again until at least 2012, reported USA Today.

Jury assembly supervisor Irene Laracuenta told jurors, “No one — no one — gets special treatment.” Yet Ms Laracuenta might have wanted to step outside to see Mr Trump’s limousine parked in the “no stopping” section directly in front of the courthouse.

Maybe she gave him a fist bump, too.

Trump getting "no special treatment" at jury duty, but limo is still parked in the "no stopping anytime" section. pic.twitter.com/qIj3SL9WBa

— Brad Mielke (@TheBradMielke) August 17, 2015

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