Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., is facing his second federal corruption trial, this time related to charges alleging that he acted to benefit the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, are accused of accepting bribes from three businessmen in New Jersey and performing favors in return, including meddling in criminal investigations and taking actions benefiting Egypt and Qatar. Menendez, along with two of the businessmen, have pleaded not guilty, while another has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify. Menendez, who announced he will not seek reelection this fall, has remained in the Senate despite calls for him to step down.
After being charged in September, Menendez was forced out of his powerful position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This trial is Menendez’s second major political crisis, the first being in 2015 when he was indicted for charges related to a wealthy eye doctor buying influence through luxury vacations and campaign contributions. The trial ended in 2017 with a deadlocked jury, and Menendez stayed in Congress, getting reelected and keeping his chairmanship. In the current case, federal prosecutors found a stash of gold bars and over $486,000 in cash in Menendez’s home during a raid two years ago.
Menendez has maintained his innocence and defiantly stated that he will prove it despite the charges piling up against him. The senator has been charged with bribery, extortion, fraud, and obstruction of justice, as well as acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. Menendez’s lawyers plan to argue that some of the activities were done without his knowledge, as his wife allegedly served as a conduit between the bribe payers and the senator. The indictment details instances where Menendez received gifts, such as gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz for his wife, in exchange for favorable actions towards Qatar and Egypt.
Despite calls from fellow Democrats in Washington and New Jersey for him to resign, Menendez has refused to step down. He has denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with foreign officials and remains defiant in his stance. While his party has largely abandoned him, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and others have called for his resignation. Menendez’s wife is also charged in the case, and her trial has been delayed until July due to health reasons. The defense has tried to argue for legislative immunity and may call a psychiatrist to testify about Menendez’s reasons for storing cash in his home.
The trial opens in Manhattan with Menendez facing corruption charges related to benefiting Egypt and Qatar. Along with two businessmen, Menendez is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for favors. Despite facing calls for resignation, Menendez has maintained his innocence and plans to fight the charges. The defense may argue that some of the activities were done without his knowledge, as his wife allegedly served as a conduit between the bribe payers and the senator. The trial is expected to shed more light on the accusations and Menendez’s alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
