Hirono ripped for ‘deranged’ opening confirmation hearing question to Blanche: ‘What a joke’

Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, faced sharp criticism on July 15, 2026, after opening her questioning of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche with a pointed inquiry about sexual harassment, a tactic she has used in multiple confirmation hearings over the years. The question, which asked Blanche if he had ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or faced related discipline, quickly drew scorn from conservatives and social media users who labeled it “deranged” and “a joke.”

Hirono’s Controversial Opening Question Sparks Outcry

At the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, 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 firmly, “No, senator.”

She followed up by asking if he had “ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct,” to which Blanche again replied, “No, senator.”

This line of questioning, first introduced by Hirono in 2018 amid the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, was met with immediate backlash. Critics argued that it is a rehearsed, overused tactic that unfairly targets nominees and derails more substantive discussions about qualifications and policy.

Conservative Voices and Social Media Mock Hirono’s Approach

Conservative commentators and political operatives quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to ridicule Hirono’s opening. The White House Rapid Response team described the question as a disrespectful way to begin the hearing, calling it “a joke” and highlighting Blanche’s “honorable record in public service.”

The Republican National Lawyers Association expressed frustration over what they described as a repetitive and tired line of questioning. Other users labeled Hirono’s approach “stupid” and “deranged,” with some accusing her of using the tactic on every nominee regardless of relevance.

Eric Daugherty, Chief Content Officer at Right Line News, called the question “absolutely nuts” and criticized the senator for wasting time on what he considered a baseless attack.

Hirono’s Questioning Rooted in #MeToo-Era Judicial Scrutiny

Senator Hirono first implemented this form of questioning in 2018, emphasizing the importance of accountability for nominees in positions of power. She has used it repeatedly in judicial and executive branch confirmation hearings, arguing that nominees must be scrutinized for any history of sexual misconduct.

In 2025, Hirono deployed the same question during the confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, drawing similar criticism from political opponents. Hirono has publicly stated her belief that such questions are necessary to combat abuse in powerful institutions and to uphold ethical standards.

Todd Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing and Professional Record

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill with a long record of public service and legal experience. Throughout the hearing, Blanche maintained a calm and professional demeanor, answering questions clearly and succinctly.

Aside from Hirono’s pointed queries, much of the hearing focused on Blanche’s plans for the Department of Justice, his views on law enforcement priorities, and his approach to civil rights enforcement.

Blanche’s responses generally garnered bipartisan respect, with many senators acknowledging his qualifications despite the contentious nature of some questioning.

While Hirono’s question reignited debate over the role of personal conduct inquiries in confirmation hearings, Blanche’s performance underscored the complex dynamics senators face when balancing vetting nominees’ character with moving forward on critical appointments.