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Trump 'asks' lawyers if he can use presidential pardon for himself over Russian investigation

Trump has examined the powers of the presidential pardon, according to lawyers (Rex)
Trump has examined the powers of the presidential pardon, according to lawyers (Rex)

President Donald Trump has asked his lawyers if he can pardon himself over the Russia investigation.

He has apparently asked his legal team if the president’s power to pardon extends to himself as well as members of his family, according to the Washington Post.

His lawyers have also been discussing presidential powers among themselves, added the paper.

They are also looking into ways if they can limit the powers of special counsel Robert S. Mueller, who is leading the investigation into alleged links between the. President and Russia during last year’s elections.

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“This is not in the context of, ‘I can’t wait to pardon myself’,” a close adviser told the Washington Post.

The report added that Trump’s legal team are examining any potential conflicts of interest for Mueller, which could potentially seem him removed from the investigation.

It is said that Trump is getting increasingly agitated by the extent of the probe, which could extend into years of business dealings prior to him becoming president.

Ex-FBI chief Robert S Mueller who is leading the Russia investigation (Rex)
Ex-FBI chief Robert S Mueller who is leading the Russia investigation (Rex)

It has also been suggested that Mueller might access several years of Trump’s tax returns as part of his investigation.

That could prove very controversial as Trump has so far refused to reveal his tax returns to public scrutiny.

One of the president’s lawyers, Jay Sekulow, said the investigation has to have strict parameters.

“The fact is that the president is concerned about conflicts that exist within the special counsel’s office and any changes in the scope of the investigation,” he said.

“The scope is going to have to stay within his mandate. If there’s drifting, we’re going to object.”