Pardon me, tweets Trump, I am the Prez

PRESIDENT Donald Trump says he has “complete power” to issue pardons’ — an assertion that comes amid investigations into Russian interference in last year’s presidential election.

In an early morning flurry of 10 tweets, Mr Trump commented about pardons, Hillary Clinton, son Donald Jr, healthcare, the USS Gerald Ford, the Attorney-General and other issues.

“While all agree the US President has the complete power to pardon, why think of that when only crime so far is leaks against us. Fake news,” he tweeted.

The Washington Post has reported Mr Trump inquired about the authority he has as president to pardon aides, relatives or even himself in connection with the investigation into Russian interference in the election and whether any of his associates were involved.

He has long criticised leaks of information about the investigation, and has urged authorities to prosecute leakers.

Mr Trump maintains no crimes were committed. One of his lawyers, Jay Sekulow, said the President had not discussed the issue of pardons with his outside legal team.

Next week, Donald Jr, his son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner, and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort are scheduled to appear before Senate committees investigating Russian meddling.

Mr Trump defended his son in one of his tweets, saying he “openly gave his emails to the media and authorities whereas Crooked Hillary Clinton deleted (and acid washed) her 33,000 emails!”