04 June,2018 08:02 PM IST | Washington DC | AFP
Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump on Monday asserted an "absolute right" to pardon himself, once again lashing out at a probe into possible collusion with Russian election meddling and obstruction of justice.
"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?" he said on Twitter.
"In the meantime, the never-ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms!" It was believed to be the first time Trump himself has asserted the power, although his lawyers have taken an expansive view of the president's prerogatives, including the right to pardon.
ALSO READ
Harris scared to do an interview on her own: Donald Trump's election campaign
US Presidential polls: Trump says he will induct Elon Musk in his cabinet
Trump appeals to voters in Wisconsin GOP stronghold ahead of debate with Harris
Judge delays Donald Trump's sentencing in hush money case until after November election
Judge delays Donald Trump's sentencing in hush money case until after November election
A Trump lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, argued on Sunday that the president "probably" had the power to pardon himself, but doing so would have "tough" political ramifications.
In a letter to Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating the Russia meddling, the president's lawyers argued in January that Trump "could, if he wished, terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon if he so desired."
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
