US President Donald Trump's lawyers are reportedly looking into the president's authority to grant pardons to his aides, family members and himself in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Mueller is currently investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible ties between Trump's team and Moscow.

Citing one person in connection with the effort, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, 20 July that Trump apparently spoke to advisers about his ability to grant presidential pardons. However, one adviser cautioned that Trump's inquiry was expressed in curiosity.

"This is not in the context of, 'I can't wait to pardon myself,' " the adviser told The Post.

The president's lawyers have also reportedly been discussing presidential pardons among themselves as well.

The revelation also comes amid reports that Trump's attorneys are exploring any potential conflicts of interest of Mueller to undercut the investigation or discredit the special counsel.

These include any donations to Democratic candidates or his relationship with former FBI Director James Comey whom Trump fired in May who previously led the Russia investigation.

Earlier his week, Trump told The New York Times that Mueller would be crossing a "red line" if he investigated the president's personal business ties. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Mueller is expanding the prove to examine a broad range of transactions involving Trump's businesses as well as those of his associates.

Amid the intense scrutiny into the embattled White House, Twitter has blasted Trump for reportedly trying to discredit and derail the investigation while reviewing potential ways to pardon himself. While some called it the "biggest admission of guilt yet", others slammed the president saying he "can and should be impeached" should he decide to "use that power corruptly."

Democratic Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia tweeted: "If aides, family members, and Trump himself have done nothing wrong, as the Trump Administration keeps saying... nobody would need a pardon."

"If Trump were to pardon himself, he would only lengthen the shadow of illegitimacy that already stalks his presidency", MSNBC's Joy Reid wrote.

"Is Trump now tired of winning?" one Twitter user wrote.

Can a President do anything and get away with it, is what this boils down to. — Christoph Mergerson (@cardigansink) July 21, 2017

I'm surprised he didn't preface his inquiries with, "So a friend was asking me..." — Tippi (@TippiB) July 21, 2017

He's merely pardon-curious, is all. Don't judge. — Pastyskin McIrishman (@thepubprobably) July 21, 2017

It takes a team of lawyers to figure out the president can't pardon himself? Seriously?



The obvious answer is no, FFS. Hell no. — B.J. Smith (@bjsmith) July 21, 2017

Trump's razor: the stupidest thing to do will always be done, stupidly. — ((Molly Jong-Fast)) (@MollyJongFast) July 21, 2017

Trump does not know that acceptance of a pardon is considered a legal admission of guilt. @TheLastWord 10pm — Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) July 21, 2017

I sincerely hope there's a silent consensus in America that OUR "red line" on the Russia scandal is ANY Trump pardon or ANY move on Mueller. — Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) July 21, 2017

Mueller's Russia investigation has Trump wondering who he can pardon? Interesting for someone who keeps insisting there's no wrongdoing. — Steve Redmond (@sjredmond) July 21, 2017

Trump: Siri, how can I appear innocent & unphased by Russia investigation?

Siri: Don't fire Comey or threaten Mueller.

Trump: F you, Siri! — Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) July 21, 2017

Beschloss: If Trump thinks he can easily pardon himself/fire Muellerâcould be Constitutional crisis that'd make Watergate look minor @maddow pic.twitter.com/YW77acDbnF — Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 21, 2017

Trump cannot define or constrain Mueller investigation. If he tries to do so this creates issues of constitutional and criminal dimension. — Eric Holder (@EricHolder) July 21, 2017

PARDONS? We're talking Watergate on steroids here. Trump has been in office for 6 months! #TrumpRussia #TrumpTreason https://t.co/OJVrFBN38T — Linda (@knittinglinda) July 21, 2017

Trump: Don't look into my finances.

Mueller: Thanks for the tip. I'll look into your finances right away.

Trump: Doh! — Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) July 20, 2017

Donald Trump: "Can the President pardon himself? I'm asking for Donald Trump..." — TrumpsTaxes (@TrumpsTaxes) July 21, 2017

Nothing says "innocent" quite like seeking preemptive pardons for friends and family. Classy bunch. — Brian (@parkerbrother) July 21, 2017

My jaw keeps dropping, sometimes by the hour. This is....well, unreal and unprecedented. — (((lissa))) (@lissa77) July 21, 2017

Trump does not know that acceptance of a pardon is considered a legal admission of guilt. @TheLastWord 10pm — Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) July 21, 2017

Trump is losing it. Only someone guilty would even think this way. Hey @realDonaldTrump ! What are you desperately trying to hide? — MsTeacher (@MsTeacher) July 21, 2017

"This is the greatest pardon that has ever been done. This pardon is probably the best pardon in the history of America." — Jarrett Bellini (@JarrettBellini) July 21, 2017

Trump's pursuit of his pursuers will put him in search of his own tail. He's building a goddam MÃ¶bius Strip! — Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) July 21, 2017

Memo to Trump: Anyone you pardon can be compelled to testify without any grant of immunity, and that testimony could undo you. — Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) July 21, 2017

This is a good moment to repost Adam Schiff's chilling question:



If Trump tries to oust Mueller, will Rs step up?https://t.co/MIqKNnHK02 pic.twitter.com/afk3a43akE — Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) July 21, 2017