During the confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono initiated her questioning with inquiries about potential past sexual misconduct. She asked if Burgum, since becoming a legal adult, had engaged in unwanted sexual advances, harassment, or assault, or faced disciplinary actions or settlements related to such conduct. Burgum responded negatively to both questions.

Hirono's line of questioning, which she has employed with other nominees like Pete Hegseth and Pam Bondi, drew criticism from conservatives on social media. Various commentators questioned her motives and relevance of the questions, with some suggesting the focus on such matters was excessive or inappropriate. Some social media users expressed bewilderment and concern over what they perceived as an obsession with sexual misconduct allegations, while others questioned Hirono's motivations and qualifications for her committee assignments. Some even went so far as to imply that Hirono's insistent focus on these issues might reflect personal experiences or knowledge.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (Getty Images)

Sen. Mazie Hirono (Nathan Posner/Getty Images)

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (Saul Loeb/Getty Images)