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.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement after President Trump’s attacks on a federal judge. Trump responded to Roberts on Fox News. CNN’s Kevin Liptak reports that Trump’s attacks are likely to continue despite Roberts’ statement.