Senator Bob Menendez has been convicted of bribery and acting as a foreign agent while serving as New Jersey’s Democratic Senator. Pressure is on Menendez to resign from his current Senate seat, which he refused to do during his trial.
Second Corruption Trial
This is the second corruption trial for Menendez, 70. His first trial in 2017 ended in a deadlocked jury. This time, Menendez was found guilty of 16 counts of corruption and faced decades in prison. His sentencing hearing will take place on Oct. 29, before the election, when he is currently running for his seat as an Independent.
Claims of Innocence
Menendez has consistently claimed his innocence during years of investigations and probes into his conduct and receipt of gifts, donations, and financial perks during his Senate tenure. The jury found Menendez guilty of accepting cash and gold bribes in exchange for official acts and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt while serving in the U.S. Senate.
Prosecutors’ Argument
Prosecutors in the case argued that Menendez used his official power as a U.S. Senator to illegally help allies and donors avoid criminal investigations.
They also charged him with personally enriching himself, his wife, and his business associates by acting on behalf of the interests of the Egyptian government. Menendez was partially responsible for securing millions of dollars of U.S. military aid to Egypt.
Plan to Appeal
Menendez and his legal team plan to appeal the verdict. Menendez responded to the guilty verdict: “I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”
Defense Against Foreign Agent Charges
In response to charges that Menendez acted as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt, Menendez consistently claimed that his decisions and actions were in carrying out his business as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He did not personally testify at his trial, which lasted nine weeks.
Gold Bars Defense
Menendez’s defense for having gold bars at his home was that they belonged to his wife, Nadine Menendez, who was also charged with bribery. Nadine has also maintained her claims of innocence.
Nadine Menendez’s Trial
Nadine Menendez’s trial is pending after postponement due to surgery related to breast cancer.
Impact on Reelection
Menendez’s guilty verdict on serious crimes related to his actions while in office will likely impact his ability to win reelection to the Senate, which he is currently pursuing as an independent in the New Jersey primary.
Renewed Calls for Resignation
While there has long been pressure on Menendez to resign amidst the investigation and trial on corruption charges, the calls for him to resign have renewed with vigor and decisiveness since the guilty verdict was returned this week.
Top Democrats’ Reactions
Top Democrats in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Jersey’s other Senator Corey Booker, and the Democratic candidate for Senate in New Jersey, Rep. Andy Kim, have all renewed their call for Menendez to resign immediately.
Schumer’s Statement
Schumer said, “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”
Governor Murphy’s Statement
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also stated that the U.S. Senate should expel Menendez if he does not willingly resign. Whether Menendez’s resignation is forced or voluntary, Governor Murphy would have the power to appoint a replacement, which many believe would be Rep. Andy Kim, the Democratic candidate running for the seat in November.
Possible Expulsion
If Menendez voluntarily resigns, Schumer has yet to state whether he will hold a vote to expel the New Jersey Senator. An expulsion vote requires a two-thirds majority to pass, and no Senator has been expelled for more than 100 years. Many colleagues are disgusted with the corruption that gives politicians a bad name.
Senate Ethics Committee Investigation
If Menendez chooses not to resign voluntarily, the Senate Ethics Committee will conduct its own investigation to establish a “full range of disciplinary actions.” The prolonged process and punishments instituted by colleagues present another incentive for Menendez to resign his post.
