Text messages obtained by The Hill indicate that staff members working for former special counsel Jack Smith did not reference any basketball team names in their communications. This disclosure follows public accusations made by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), who had suggested that Smith attended a basketball game in Atlanta as part of an effort to coordinate or influence the Georgia-based prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

The review of these messages serves to address the factual basis of Senator Schmitt’s claims. Schmitt had previously alleged that Smith’s presence at a sporting event was linked to the legal proceedings against the former president in Georgia. However, the documentation provided by the special counsel’s office shows no evidence of discussions regarding basketball teams, casting doubt on the premise of the senator's accusations. The discrepancy highlights the ongoing friction between congressional Republicans and the special counsel’s office regarding the conduct and motivations of the federal investigation into the former president. While the messages confirm the absence of basketball-related team references, the broader political debate regarding the impartiality of the special counsel’s office remains a point of contention between the senator and the Department of Justice.