Chief Justice John Roberts was forced to read Sen. Elizabeth Warren‘s question about if not including witnesses would diminish the legitimacy of both Roberts and the Supreme Court.
“The question from Sen. Warren is for the House managers,” Roberts read aloud.
“At a time when large majorities of Americans have lost faith in government, does the fact that the chief justice is presiding over an impeachment trial in which Republican senators have thus far refused to allow witnesses or evidence contribute to the loss of legitimacy of the chief justice, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution?” he read.
Some Democrats, including House impeachment manager Adam Schiff (D-California), have mentioned the idea that Roberts’ authority would surpass that of the Senate, and he could directly order witness testimony.
However, in response to the awkward question, Schiff did not challenge the judge to take a side.
“I would not say that it contributes to a loss of confidence in the chief justice,” Schiff said. “I think the chief justice has presided admirably.”
