In a recent report by the Washington Post, it has been revealed that Trump has been asking his advisers if he has the power to pardon himself and his family, as well as his aides. According to the report, the president and his team have been searching ways to "limit or undercut" the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller.

It can be recalled that Mueller has been engaged in an investigation of Trump's campaign and alleged ties to Russia. Now the POTUS is allegedly seeking grounds to discredit the special counsel's controversial Russia investigation.

Trump's frustration about Mueller's investigation

Mueller's Russia investigation has reportedly caused frustration to the president, particularly with the possibility of exploring Trump's financial details. There were even claims that the POTUS is worried about Mueller's ability to access his tax returns dated several years ago.

These frustrations allegedly led Trump to order his team to look for reasons to fire Mueller. Apparently, Trump's team are now looking into potential conflicts of interest that might result in the termination of Mueller as the special counsel. Many also assume that such move will also possibly put a stop to, or at least delay the investigation.

Some of the possible conflicts that Trump and his team are considering include donations made by several of Mueller's prosecutors to Democratic candidates as well as an alleged dispute over membership fees on Trump's golf course, of which the special counsel was once a member.

Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow also reiterated their eagerness to bring up the possible conflicts at the right place and time. "We will consistently evaluate the issue of conflicts and raise them in the appropriate venue,” La Times wrote.

Is pardon really possible for Trump?

With the president's alleged plan to test his powers in terms of pardon, many are wondering whether or not Trump really has the ability to reprieve himself on possible charges in case Mueller's investigation takes an ugly turn.

In an analysis report by CNN's Chris Cillizza, he reached out to Brian C. Kalt, a professor of law at Michigan State University, and asked about the chances of Trump getting a pardon. Kalt reiterated that Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution states that the president "shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."

According to Kalt, no other president in history has pardoned himself, adding that the chances of Trump getting a pardon is "less than 50%, but not close to 0%."

So far, it remains unclear whether or not Trump will push for the idea of pardon in the near future. Trump's ability to spare himself from possible charges also remains to be seen.
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