GOP’s Jack Smith hearing collapses after Schmitt’s basketball mix-up
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 29, 2026, defending his dismissed probes into President Donald Trump. The hearing was dominated by a viral gaffe from Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), who mistakenly accused Smith of perjury over a basketball game mix-up, confusing an NBA game in Atlanta with a women’s college game in Maryland. Smith stated he would not be silenced by threats of prosecution, while Republicans criticized his methods as an abuse of power.
Key points
- Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 29, 2026, defending his dismissed investigations into President Donald Trump.
- Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) mistakenly accused Smith of perjury over a basketball game mix-up, confusing an NBA game in Atlanta with a women’s college game in Maryland.
- Smith stated he would not be silenced by threats of prosecution, while Republicans criticized his methods as an abuse of power.
- The hearing was dominated by a viral moment where Schmitt’s gaffe became a focal point, overshadowing the substantive legal debates.
- Democrats argued the probes were legally justified, while Republicans continued to push for a Justice Department inquiry into Smith’s conduct.
Background
This hearing follows earlier coverage of the Jack Smith investigations, which were dismissed by the Trump administration. The viral moment involving Schmitt’s basketball mix-up has become a focal point in the debate over the legitimacy of the probes.
How outlets are covering it
The Independent and CNN emphasize the viral nature of Schmitt’s gaffe and its impact on the hearing, while Politico and The Washington Post focus more on the substantive legal debates and Smith’s defense of his methods. The Independent and CNN highlight the viral moment as a turning point, while Politico and The Washington Post provide more context on the legal and political implications of the hearing.
Why it matters
The hearing highlights the ongoing political and legal battles over the Jack Smith investigations, with the viral moment serving as a symbol of the GOP’s struggles to substantiate their claims. It also underscores the importance of public perception in shaping the narrative around high-profile legal cases.
What to watch
The next steps will likely involve further political and legal debates over the Jack Smith investigations, with the viral moment potentially influencing public opinion and the outcome of any future inquiries.
- Viral slow zoom on Katie Britt says it all as she realizes Jack Smith gotcha moment is going up in flames The Independent
- Opinion | Chaos at Jack Smith’s Senate Hearing The New York Times
- Republicans wanted Jack Smith to give them a smoking gun. They got a gaffe instead. Politico
- An embarrassing moment for the GOP, a confident witness and other takeaways from Jack Smith’s hearing CNN
- Jack Smith clashes with senators over Trump probes, says he will not be silenced The Washington Post
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Read on The Independent