Senator's Botched Gotcha Moment Over Hawkeyes vs. Hawks Goes Viral
In a moment that left fellow Republicans cringing, Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri attempted to corner former special counsel Jack Smith on the Senate floor, only to confuse the University of Iowa's Hawkeyes with Atlanta's NBA team, the Hawks. The gaffe, caught on camera, showed Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama visibly mortified as the exchange unraveled.
What happened during the Senate hearing?
Schmitt was questioning Smith about an alleged 2024 trip to an Atlanta Hawks game, pushing a theory that Smith had colluded with Georgia prosecutors, including Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, to pursue charges against President Donald Trump and his allies. The Missouri senator accused Smith of perjury, declaring,
You will go down as a total dirtbag.
But the line of questioning collapsed when Smith clarified he had not attended a Hawks game. Instead, he said he had watched the University of Maryland play Iowa, a game featuring Caitlin Clark, in February 2024.
I recall going to a University of Maryland basketball game where Caitlin Clark was playing right around that time, and the Marshal Service was there with me, Smith said. You can check if that was the exact date. It was Maryland playing Iowa, I think February of 2024.
How did Senator Katie Britt react?
Cameras captured Britt, a former congressional staffer, with her mouth agape and eyes wide as Schmitt's mistake became clear. The clip drew comparisons to scenes from The Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm, with social media users sharing the moment widely.
Matt Fuller, director of Congress for MS NOW, posted on X:
Sen. Katie Britt, a former congressional staffer herself, knew she was watching a mythical staff f--k up. The type of f--- up that interns will hear about as a cautionary tale on their first day of work on June 1, 2047.
What did other senators say about the exchange?
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who had appeared skeptical of Schmitt's questioning from the start, admonished him after Smith's response.
I think people should have their facts straight before they accuse someone of being a dirtbag, she said.
Klobuchar also took a subtle jab at Schmitt later in the hearing, which focused on Smith's investigations into Trump's role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents after leaving office.
What does this mean for Schmitt's political future?
The timing of the gaffe was particularly awkward. Just hours earlier, Axios had floated Schmitt as a potential 2028 running mate for JD Vance, describing him as trustworthy, intelligent, articulate and a deft political operator.
The incident has raised questions about Schmitt's attention to detail, though his office has not yet responded to requests for comment. Britt's office also did not immediately respond.
Why does this matter for Iowa readers?
For Iowans, the mix-up hits close to home. The University of Iowa's Hawkeyes and star player Caitlin Clark are a source of state pride, and the confusion between the team and an NBA franchise is a reminder that even national figures can overlook the details that matter to local communities. The moment also underscores the importance of fact-checking before making accusations, a lesson that resonates across the political spectrum.
Frequently asked questions
Did Senator Schmitt apologize for the mistake?
As of now, Schmitt has not issued a public apology or comment on the exchange. His office has not responded to requests for comment.
Was Jack Smith actually at the Iowa game?
Smith stated he attended a University of Maryland basketball game against Iowa in February 2024, where Caitlin Clark was playing. He said the U.S. Marshals Service was present with him.
What was the hearing about?
The hearing focused on Smith's investigations into President Trump, including his alleged role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents after leaving office.