Schmitt Confuses Basketball Teams in Smith Hearing

Sen. Schmitt mistakes Hawks and Hawkeyes during Smith probe, sparking ridicule.

September 30, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — During a Senate hearing probing former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith, Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt mistakenly confused two college basketball teams, drawing laughter and criticism.

Smith was questioned about whether he attended an NBA game in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2024. Schmitt suggested Smith might have been at the game, but Smith denied it, recalling instead attending a University of Iowa women’s game against Maryland on that day.

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Sen. Amy Klobuchar interjected, noting that the University of Iowa team is known as the Hawkeyes, suggesting Schmitt may have confused the teams. The mix-up highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding Smith’s testimony and the broader political tensions in the hearing.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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