Story perspectives

Jack Smith Denounces Perjury Claims Over Hawks Game

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:04 PM UTC · How we work

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GOP gotcha tactic

Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 29, 2026, when Senator Eric Schmitt asked about an Atlanta Hawks game.
The hearing highlighted the GOP’s baseless “gotcha” tactic that endangers public servants and democratic institutions.
Smith praised his staff as heroes and warned that vilifying them harms the justice system.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar rebuked Schmitt for false game information and demanded an apology.

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Perjury claim evidence

Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on September 29, 2026.
Republican senators accused Smith of perjury over an Atlanta Hawks game and said his investigation was a partisan effort to keep Trump off 2024 ballot.
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) presented texts he said placed Smith at the Feb 3, 2024 Hawks–Warriors game.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) claimed Smith’s probe to keep President Donald Trump off 2024 ballot.

History

Historical Context

In August 1994 Attorney General Janet Reno appointed Ken Starr as independent counsel; his four-year probe yielded the September 9, 1998 Starr Report, listing eleven impeachment grounds and costing about $70 million. Starr then testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, leading to two impeachment articles against President Clinton. In September 2026 GOP senators accused former special counsel Jack Smith of perjury, reviving the same partisan scrutiny.

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GOP gotcha tactic

Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 29, 2026, when Senator Eric Schmitt asked about an Atlanta Hawks game.
The hearing highlighted the GOP’s baseless “gotcha” tactic that endangers public servants and democratic institutions.
Smith praised his staff as heroes and warned that vilifying them harms the justice system.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar rebuked Schmitt for false game information and demanded an apology.

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