Trump shakes head as Judge Merchan lays out devastating rules for his cross-examination

Donald Trump appeared to be in disagreement Monday with a judge laying out how he could be questioned if he takes the stand in his hush-money trial related to a sex scandal with adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Before allowing opening arguments, New York Justice Juan Merchan held a so-called Sandoval hearing to determine what is admissible if Trump is cross-examined, according to reports.

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The judge ruled that an Access Hollywood tape in which Trump brags about sexually assaulting women was fair play for the prosecution. Merchan also allowed Trump's gag order violations and the ruling against in him in a civil fraud case to come into play, in which the former president owes $454 million in damages.

"As Merchan is reading the list of prior findings that prosecutors can use to cross-examine Trump if he testifies, Trump is intermittently shaking his head," Erica Orden wrote for Politico.

The judge went on to say Trump could be confronted with two defamation cases brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who said the defendant raped her. Two juries found him liable for defamation, while one found him liable for sexual abuse of the woman.

Trump has said he intends to take the stand in his own defense, though several experts have said that would not be a good idea for him.