Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) scored another point for classless Democrats as she questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Hirono repeated the line of questioning that she has used before as Blanche’s confirmation hearing got underway, once again drawing fierce rebukes as even the official White House Rapid Response account on X declared, “What a joke.”
“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?” the Democrat asked during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Low IQ @maziehirono begins her questioning of @DAGToddBlanche—an esteemed professional with an honorable record in public service—by asking, “Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors?”
What a joke. pic.twitter.com/Daf6NexvWF
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 15, 2026
“No, senator,” Blanche replied.
But Hirono had more.
“Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?” she asked, drawing another “No, senator,” from Blanche.
The Rapid Response account blasted the “Low IQ” senator for questioning the defense attorney who represented President Donald Trump in three of the criminal cases brought against him before his reelection.
“Low IQ @maziehirono begins her questioning of @DAGToddBlanche —an esteemed professional with an honorable record in public service—by asking, ‘Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors?’” the post on X read.
The Democrat lawmaker fired back on X.
“Sexual harassment isn’t a joke. That’s why I ask this question of every nominee before me, D or R,” she wrote. “But with how Trump’s DOJ botched the release of the Epstein files and has routinely failed survivors, I’m not surprised they think holding sexual predators accountable is a ‘joke.'”
Hirono used the same approach last year during the confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, after initially using the line of questioning during the first Trump administration in the confirmation hearing for judicial nominee Kurt Engelhardt.
The Democrat posted in 2018 that she would use the format, inspired by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
“Starting today, I’m asking nominees to our courts, under oath, whether or not they have a history of sexual assault or harassment. Like in other industries, our judges are in positions of power & #TimesUp,” she wrote at the time.
Starting today, I’m asking nominees to our courts, under oath, whether or not they have a history of sexual assault or harassment. Like in other industries, our judges are in positions of power & #TimesUp. pic.twitter.com/Jk0NcTBi3h
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) January 10, 2018
Despite her grandstanding, Hirono’s performance has consistently earned her mockery and criticism.
“Raise your hand if you’re tired of @maziehirono’s favorite Senate Judiciary line of questioning,” posted the Republican National Lawyers Association.
Murder is no joking matter either. So why don’t you ask every nominee if they have ever murdered someone?
— Sadie’s Moping Bed (@SadiesMopingBed) July 15, 2026
You are a disgusting troll. Why would your first question to a nominee be about sexual harassment? This coming from a person who is in the same party and supported Swawell and Platner. Hawaii needs to clean house and throw you out
— M (@M6748562456135M) July 16, 2026
She asks the same ridiculous question in every hearing. What an embarrassment.
— lave (@laave) July 15, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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