"In this context? It’s a dick move."

Midway through Thursday’s trial session, Warren sent the question for the Democratic House managers — which Roberts had to 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?” Roberts said.

The chief justice sat with a quizzical look on his face for several seconds after the question. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) spoke up on behalf of Roberts in response.

“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.”