The man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump is representing himself at the trial. Photo: AP PHOTO

The criminal trial of the man accused of trying to assassinate US President Donald Trump got off to a contentious start as a federal judge cut off a meandering opening statement from defendant Ryan Routh.

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Florida-based US District Judge Aileen Cannon stopped Routh's presentation to a jury after only a few minutes after Routh delved into topics including the origin of the human species, the settlement of the American West, and international conflicts.

Cannon had earlier wa

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