Full Breakdown
Jack Smith’s “No Kings” Shirt Sparks Political Spotlight at Power to the People Festival
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Appearance at the Power to the People Festival
On October 3 former special counsel Jack Smith attended the “Power to the People” music festival in Columbia, Maryland wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “No Kings.” The shirt references a nonpartisan protest movement opposing former President Donald Trump.
Background & Context
Smith led the Department of Justice’s investigations into Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. After the investigations concluded, Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, where Republican Senator Eric Schmitt (Missouri) tried to link Smith to a supposed “got-cha” meeting with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis at an Atlanta Hawks game in February 2024. The claim proved inaccurate; Smith was actually watching the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team at a game in Maryland.
The “No Kings” slogan originated from three nationwide protests in June 2025, October 2025, and March 2026 that denounced Trump’s influence. The festival pledged that a portion of ticket sales would support VoteRiders, a nonprofit assisting citizens with voter-ID requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Timeline
- January 6, 2021 – Capitol attack; Smith later tasked with investigating the event.
- September 30, 2026 – Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Schmitt’s line of questioning collapsed.
- June 14, 2026 – “No Kings” group hosted a concert to rival a Trump-aligned UFC event.
- October 3 – Smith appeared at the Power to the People festival wearing the “No Kings” shirt.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Eric Schmitt asserted that text messages proved Smith had been at an Atlanta Hawks game, framing the alleged attendance as evidence of collusion with Willis. After the error was exposed, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan issued a criminal referral to the Justice Department, alleging that Smith made “intentionally false statements.”
Criticism & Opposition
The mistaken claim about Smith’s location drew criticism from multiple Republican officials.
Data & Statistics
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that Senator Schmitt’s evidence hinged on Smith attending an Atlanta Hawks game, yet all confirm that Smith was instead at an Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball game in Maryland. No source provides evidence that Smith ever traveled to Atlanta for the purported game, leaving the claim unsupported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wanted to thank him for his service to our country and say he's a patriot,” — Cindy Marselis
- “This one goes out to my new friend Jack,” — Dave Grohl, of the Foo Fighters
Why It Matters
Smith’s visible support for the “No Kings” cause at a high-profile concert underscores the intersection of legal accountability and cultural protest in the post-Trump era. The episode also illustrates how political opponents may attempt to weaponize minor factual errors in congressional hearings, potentially influencing public perception of ongoing investigations.