Senator Menendez ‘Sold the Power of His Office,’ Prosecutor Says

“According to him, Menendez abused his position for personal gain,” stated the prosecutor.

The trial of Mr. Menendez, 70, along with businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, has reached its ninth week in Federal District Court in Manhattan. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Hana and Mr. Daibes benefited from the illegal scheme, assisting in funneling bribes to the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, 57.

The indictment suggests that in return, Mr. Menendez used his influence to provide aid and weapons to Egypt, supported the government of Qatar, maintained Mr. Hana’s halal certification business monopoly, and interfered in criminal investigations in New Jersey on behalf of Mr. Daibes and Jose Uribe, a former insurance broker.

Mr. Menendez is facing 16 felony charges including bribery, conspiracy, fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as an agent for Egypt.

Despite his claims of innocence since being charged, Mr. Menendez remains adamant that he will be vindicated and has no plans to step down.

His colleagues in Washington are closely following the trial’s outcome. A guilty verdict could lead to pressure for his resignation or a Senate expulsion vote. If found not guilty or if the jury is deadlocked, Mr. Menendez, a Democrat, intends to run for re-election as an independent, potentially impacting his party’s candidate, Representative Andy Kim, in the upcoming November election.