President Donald Trump (AFP / NICHOLAS KAMM)
President Donald Trump threatened to "get involved" and obstruct special counsel Robert Mueller's probe in a Wednesday morning tweet -- which naturally set off a firestorm by other social media users.
The president complained earlier that the Russia probe was a "hoax," and an investigation into his possible efforts to obstruct were a "trap," but he issued a threat after insisting he had "unfettered power" to fire anyone in government.
The tweets seemed to be in response to deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who's overseeing the Mueller probe and warned Tuesday that he would not cave to "threats" intended to "extort" the Justice Department.
Other Twitter users hammered the president with outrage, mockery and unsolicited legal advice.
It’s cold and dark and I’m scared. So, so scared. https://t.co/ylqO5Yi1Y4— Schooley (@Schooley) 1525272901.0
Mr. President, the powers of the Presidency do not give you the right to interfere with or shut down the Russia inv… https://t.co/JZQdudxzsL— Chuck Schumer (@Chuck Schumer) 1525272955.0
You should consult with a lawyer before “getting involved” with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into… https://t.co/HZ7BezE3VY— Renato Mariotti (@Renato Mariotti) 1525272620.0
i love how every few months trump announces his plan to do obstruction https://t.co/rlc1fprWcb— b-boy bouiebaisse (@b-boy bouiebaisse) 1525273799.0
Important tweet because this reveals how the president is now in lockstep with Meadows when it comes to tensions ov… https://t.co/I6TxgItsY6— Robert Costa (@Robert Costa) 1525273807.0
@realDonaldTrump This tweet is alarming. You will be over-reaching your power and true obstruction will not just b… https://t.co/DTOZIsbCY4— Real person even without a checkmark💙🇺🇸💙 (@Real person even without a checkmark💙🇺🇸💙) 1525274253.0
This reaction shows exactly why Rosenstein's comments yesterday were so notable: he wasn't just sending a message t… https://t.co/ncFglexQ2C— Matthew Miller (@Matthew Miller) 1525272704.0
@realDonaldTrump You’re fucking insane— Mark Walker (@Mark Walker) 1525272455.0
@realDonaldTrump Jesus dude, you can’t even come up with a good scheme. Your intentions are so transparent. Do what… https://t.co/z0FDY7XMTT— Optimistic American (@Optimistic American) 1525273305.0
“They”—your senior appointees along with career officials at DOJ—are afraid of damaging or improperly revealing asp… https://t.co/NoGMzadXa4— Bill Kristol (@Bill Kristol) 1525273750.0
A Rigged System - You don’t want to turn over the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) to Congress or the American peop… https://t.co/8Q8wH5EZhm— Michael Avenatti (@Michael Avenatti) 1525273986.0
@realDonaldTrump Resign or get hauled out of office in handcuffs. The choice is yours, President Traitor Tot.— Robato11 - Mask Wearer (@Robato11 - Mask Wearer) 1525275486.0
Being guilty and having the feds on your tail is hard. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ https://t.co/wgAKpzvJxH— Josh Marshall (@Josh Marshall) 1525275317.0
A Rigged Presidency - He doesn't want Congress to investigate. What are Trump and Nunes afraid of? Why so much reda… https://t.co/jQ22rL5dtf— Patrick (@Patrick) 1525274326.0
