Schmitt’s Basketball Mix-up Derails GOP ‘Gotcha’ at Smith Hearing

Key points

• Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) accused Jack Smith of perjury for denying attendance at an Atlanta Hawks game in Feb. 2024, claiming it was a cover for meeting Georgia prosecutors.
• Smith clarified he attended a women’s college basketball game in College Park, Maryland, featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes, not the NBA team in Atlanta.
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) pointed out the confusion between the two teams, deflating Schmitt’s attempt to expose a conspiracy.
• The gaffe went viral, but some MAGA influencers initially claimed a victory before deleting posts; Schmitt later dismissed the error on a podcast.
• The hearing featured sharp exchanges, with Republicans calling Smith’s probes an abuse of power, while Smith defended his actions as nonpartisan and evidence-based.

Background

This hearing was Smith’s third testimony under oath and second public appearance, part of a two-year GOP effort to expose a 'Biden-era conspiracy' against Trump. The hearing was expected to yield a 'smoking gun' ahead of midterm elections but instead highlighted personal insults and factual errors. Smith previously defended subpoenaing phone records to prevent obstruction and warned that attacks on public servants weaken the rule of law.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasized the viral nature of Schmitt’s gaffe and the subsequent backlash from MAGA influencers who initially claimed a victory before deleting posts. Politico focused on the broader context of the hearing as a failed attempt by Republicans to expose a conspiracy, noting the lack of new revelations and the dominance of personal insults. AP News highlighted Smith’s forceful defense of his prosecutions, emphasizing his stance that the investigations were nonpartisan and evidence-based, while Republicans criticized his methods as an abuse of power. Yahoo News framed the incident as a 'wild turn' over a team name, underscoring the confusion between the Atlanta Hawks and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Why it matters

The hearing underscored the ongoing political battles over the Trump investigations and the challenges Republicans face in discrediting Smith. The gaffe highlighted the risks of aggressive questioning without thorough fact-checking, potentially undermining GOP credibility. It also reflected the broader tension between the Justice Department and Congress, with Smith defending his actions as necessary to uphold the rule of law, while Republicans viewed his probes as a partisan attack.

What to watch

The hearing is unlikely to yield new revelations, but it may influence public perception of the Trump investigations. Republicans may continue to criticize Smith’s methods, while Democrats may use the gaffe to highlight GOP overreach. The outcome could impact the narrative around the midterm elections, with both sides seeking to frame the investigations as either a necessary defense of democracy or a political witch hunt.