Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, opened her questioning of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during his confirmation hearing by asking whether he had ever requested sexual favors or committed sexual harassment. This line of questioning, which Hirono has used since 2018, was inspired by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Core Facts
Hirono asked Blanche, 'Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?' Blanche responded, 'No, senator.' She followed up by asking if he had faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to such conduct, to which he also answered 'No, senator.'
Context and Reactions
Hirono has used similar questions in previous confirmation hearings, including for Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum last year. The White House Rapid Response account on X criticized the questioning, calling it a 'joke' and referring to Hirono as having a 'low IQ.' Social media users also mocked the line of questioning, with some calling it 'deranged' and 'stupid.'
Policy and Procedural Background
Hirono introduced the questions in 2018 as part of a broader effort to address sexual misconduct in high-profile positions. The questions are designed to hold nominees accountable for past behavior, though critics argue they are overly broad and unfairly accusatory. Blanche, who has an extensive legal and public service record, was confirmed as acting Attorney General after the hearing.