GETTY
In a Tweet to his 52million followers, the American leader raged: “As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong?
“In the meantime, the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very angry and conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms!”
One of his followers tweeted: “Innocent people never talk about their right to pardon themselves.”
Another said: “It says a lot that this is on your mind. Guilty conscience?”
Another response to the President’s angry Tweet was: “Why even talk about it then, unless you think you might need to do it?”
GETTY
His words followed a confidential letter published by the New York Times over the weekend in which Mr Trump’s lawyers argued he could not have instructed justice because he is so powerful.
The 20-page document also said the 45th President of the USA has the power to pardon himself in matters related to the investigation.
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, told ABC News Mr Trump “probably does” have that authority, though “he has no intention” of pardoning himself.
An array of President Trump’s associates have been interrogated by special counsel Robert Mueller over whether Russian interference and a major conspiracy took place during his election campaign.
The president’s lawyers contend in the letter that Mr Trump’s commander in chief “could neither constitutionally nor legally constitute obstruction because that would amount to him obstructing himself, and that he could, if he wished, terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon if he so desired”.
On the matter of the special council, Mr Trump Tweeted: “The appointment of the Special Counsel is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL!
“Despite that, we play the game because I, unlike the Democrats, have done nothing wrong!”
The White House and a spokesperson on the special counsel refused to comment.