Menendez Corruption Trial Begins

The federal corruption trial of Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) began this week, with significant issues selecting a jury. Prosecutors accuse the senator of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes from foreign governments in exchange for preferential treatment.

Menendez is facing extensive accusations of working with two New Jersey businessmen in a scheme to aid the foreign governments of Egypt and Qatar.

During the early proceedings, about a quarter of the prospective jury pool was excused as selection continued.

Another co-defendant in the case, Jose Uribe, has already pleaded guilty and said that he will testify against the other defendants. There will be a separate trial for Mendendez’s wife Nadine due to health reasons.

While Menendez denies all wrongdoing, the evidence presented by federal prosecutors appears to be extensive.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Menendez of accepting “hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including cash, gold, a Mercedes Benz and other things of value – in exchange for Senator Menendez agreeing to use his power and influence to protect and enrich those businessmen and to benefit the Government of Egypt.”

Nadine Menendez also allegedly received payments towards her home mortgage and was offered “compensation for a low-or-no-show job.”

The FBI raided the couple’s home in 2022 and reported finding “many of the fruits of this bribery scheme, including cash, gold, the luxury convertible and home furnishings. Over $480,000 in cash — much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets and a safe — was discovered in the home, as well as over $70,000 in cash in NADINE MENENDEZ’s safe deposit box, which was also searched pursuant to a separate search warrant.”

There have been extensive calls for Menendez to step down from his position. While most of the voices have so far been Republicans, one of Menendez’s strongest critics is Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA).

The Pennsylvania senator has repeatedly called for Menendez to resign. and earlier this week wished Menendez “good luck” and called him a “sleazeball.”

"Did anyone wish Menendez good luck for next week — for that sleazeball?" John Fetterman said ahead of Bob Menendez' corruption trial, which begins this week pic.twitter.com/rwT23WllPa

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 13, 2024

Menendez was charged in 2015 for allegations that Menendez paid a businessman and donor for private flights and allegedly attempted to steer a lucrative contract his way. Menendez was also accused of accepting a number of expensive gifts from the donor. The court case against him resulted in a mistrial.