Schmitt doubles down on Jack Smith perjury blunder as GOP faces backlash

Key points

• Schmitt accused Smith of perjury by claiming he attended an NBA game in Atlanta on February 3, 2024, based on text messages.
• Smith denied attending the game, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar pointed out that Schmitt had confused the Atlanta Hawks with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
• Schmitt has refused to apologize, posting a tongue-in-cheek response on X about Smith being a Caitlin Clark fan, which drew further criticism.
• The incident has overshadowed the substantive debate over Smith's dismissed probes into President Trump, with Republicans continuing to push for a Justice Department inquiry.
• Other political gaffes this week include Sen. John Fetterman referring to himself as a 'lifelong Republican' and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders facing criticism for an ad portraying a fictional White male Medicaid recipient.

Background

The Jack Smith hearing took place on September 29, 2026, where Smith defended his dismissed prosecutions of President Trump. The hearing was dominated by Schmitt's viral gaffe, which overshadowed the substantive debate over Smith's conduct. Republicans have continued to push for a Justice Department inquiry into Smith's actions, while Democrats argue the probes were legally justified. The incident has further polarized the political landscape, with both parties facing criticism for their handling of the situation.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes the viral nature of Schmitt's gaffe and the subsequent backlash from both parties, highlighting the impact on the political class. The outlet also notes the broader context of the Jack Smith hearing and the ongoing debate over his dismissed probes. In contrast, the STLtoday.com article focuses on the 'dirtbag' attack against Schmitt, suggesting that the gaffe has rebounded against him, drawing criticism from both sides. The two outlets differ in their emphasis, with Fox News focusing on the viral moment and its impact, while STLtoday.com highlights the political consequences and the broader implications for the GOP.

Why it matters

The Schmitt gaffe has become a symbol of the declining quality of congressional staff and the increasing polarization in American politics. The incident has overshadowed the substantive debate over Jack Smith's dismissed probes, highlighting the challenges facing the political class in managing public perception. The refusal to apologize has further polarized the political landscape, with both parties facing criticism for their handling of the situation. The broader implications include the potential impact on the 2026 elections and the ongoing debate over the role of special counsels in American politics.

What to watch

The political fallout from the Schmitt gaffe is expected to continue, with both parties likely to use the incident in their campaigns. The ongoing debate over Jack Smith's dismissed probes is likely to remain a key issue in the 2026 elections, with Republicans pushing for a Justice Department inquiry and Democrats arguing the probes were legally justified. The incident may also lead to broader discussions about the quality of congressional staff and the need for improved training and oversight.