Who is considered the chief justice of the United States?

The chief justice of the United States is John Roberts, who has held the position since September 29, 2005. As chief justice, Roberts not only presides over Supreme Court sessions but also has significant influence in setting the court's agenda, making judicial administrative decisions, and guiding the discussions among justices during court deliberations. The role of the chief justice includes responsibility for the federal judiciary as a whole, and they play a crucial part in ensuring the judiciary operates smoothly.

Other justices mentioned, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas, and Elena Kagan, have served on the Supreme Court but do not hold the position of chief justice. Ginsburg, for example, was an associate justice until her passing, while Thomas and Kagan continue to serve as associate justices, each contributing to the court's decisions but not leading it in the capacity of chief justice. The chief justice is recognized as the highest-ranking member of the Supreme Court, distinguishing Roberts’s role from that of the other justices.