Washington: An intruder carrying a backpack entered the White House grounds near US President Donald Trump's residence on Saturday night and was arrested, according to the US Secret Service.

Mr Trump, who was in the White House at the time, was not in any danger from the security breach, which occurred 11.38pm local time.

US President Donald Trump was in residence when an intruder reportedly broke into the grounds of the White House. Credit:AP

The intruder, identified as Jonathan Tuan Tran, 26, of Milpitas, California, was charged with entering a restricted area "while using or carrying a dangerous weapon". The Secret Service official said that he was not armed and that his backpack did not contain any hazardous materials, but that he was carrying two cans of pepper spray.

Tran told the officer who arrested him that he had an appointment with the President.