President Trump loves Twitter. He obviously enjoys the attention and the real-time feedback; he obviously enjoys the catharsis of being able to vent before tens of millions of people.

It’s not exactly good legal or political strategy.

That became clear once again on Friday, when Trump took to Twitter to once again proclaim that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation is a “witch hunt.” That wouldn’t be so bad. What isn’t good is that Trump went on to attack his own deputy attorney general and confirm what had only been reported based on anonymous sourcing: that he’s under investigation now.

Here’s the timeline of events.

On Wednesday evening, The Washington Post reported, based on anonymous sources, that Trump was now under investigation for obstruction of justice by Mueller. On Thursday, The Post broke another story based on anonymous sources stating that Trump son-in-law and consigliere Jared Kushner’s business ties were now under investigation as well.

Those stories presumably prompted this odd rebuke from deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein:

Inbox: Bizarre statement from DAG Rosenstein pic.twitter.com/EVAUJpJWMP — Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) June 16, 2017

So we shouldn’t trust leaks from anonymous sources.

Then Trump went on Twitter.

After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my "collusion with the Russians," nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media - over 100 million people! I can go around them — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic & jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

That last tweet is obviously a rebuke directed at Rosenstein. It says three things. First, it confirms the original Post story saying that Trump is under investigation, undercutting Rosenstein’s statement about trusting anonymously-based stories. Second, it says that Rosenstein is somehow responsible for the firing FBI director James Comey — an odd contention given that Trump openly stated on national television that he would have fired Comey no matter Rosenstein’s recommendation. Third, it says that Trump is now holding Rosenstein responsible for the Mueller investigation. This makes it sound an awful lot like Trump wants Rosenstein to fire Mueller, and Mueller won’t do it.

Which doesn’t help Trump, since Trump is now attempting to avoid an obstruction investigation. Rosenstein won’t be able to defend Trump against Mueller in such an investigation because Rosenstein will presumably be a witness in that case and will have to recuse himself, thanks to his involvement in the Comey firing. And right on cue, ABC News is now reporting that Rosenstein is considering recusing himself.

Ugh.

Trump should stop. He should just be quiet and let this investigation take its course. If Mueller exceeds his mandate and comes up with empty charges, the entire Right will rally to Trump’s side. But if Trump keeps handing Mueller batons with which to beat him, he’ll have only himself to blame when he ends up politically bruised.