A man on trial for trying to assassinate US President Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course declined to testify on Monday as part of a defence in which he is representing himself.

Ryan Routh wrapped up his case before lunch after questioning a firearms expert and two character witnesses for three hours in the morning.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon asked if Routh wanted to testify himself and he said: “I will not testify.”

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning and jurors will begin deliberating immediately after that.

A Secret Service agent testified last week that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot, the agent said.