The morning air in Washington, D.C. was sharp with winter’s chill, and inside the federal courthouse, the mood was colder still. A routine hearing had drawn an unusual crowd—journalists, staffers, operatives—all sensing something was amiss.

Caroline Levit, President Trump’s press secretary, entered calmly but noticed the tension. At the bench sat Chief Justice John Roberts, expression unreadable. Without preamble, he declared: “The defendant violated the Federal Communications Act. A $50,000 fine is imposed.”

Chief Justice Roberts says courts ‘check the excesses of Congress or the executive’: Reports – Washington Times

No arguments. No evidence. Just silence.Levit stood. “Your honor, we haven’t even begun. I request to present my defense.”