During the confirmation hearing for Trump's FBI nominee Kash Patel, Democrat Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii continued her line of questioning regarding sexual misconduct. Hirono had previously posed similar questions to Pete Hegseth, recently confirmed as Secretary of Defense, and Pam Bondi, nominated for Attorney General.
Senator Hirono began by asking Patel if he had ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature. Patel responded with a clear 'No, Senator, I have not.' Hirono then inquired if Patel had ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to such conduct, to which Patel again replied, 'No, Senator, I have not.'
Senator Hirono mentioned that she has been asking these same questions to nominees appearing before her committees since 2018. This practice reflects her commitment to addressing issues of sexual misconduct and ensuring that nominees are held accountable for their past behavior.
