Roberts, as the head of the federal judiciary, has been facing mounting pressure to protect the courts from political interference. With a lifetime appointment, it remains to be seen whether the 70-year-old Chief Justice will take further steps to defend judicial independence as Trump continues his broadsides against the judiciary.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement on Tuesday, declaring that the impeachment of federal judges is “not an appropriate response” to disagreement with their rulings.