New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Bob Menendez arrived at a Manhattan federal courthouse to answer charges alleging bribery, including receiving cash and gold bars in return for advancing Egyptian interests and performing favors for New Jersey businessmen.
Menendez’s arrival came amidst increasing demands from fellow Democrats, including New Jersey’s other Senator Cory Booker, for him to step down. Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, joined these calls, citing disturbing details of wrongdoing.
This isn’t Menendez’s first brush with corruption allegations. His 2017 trial on different charges ended in a jury deadlock. Now, along with Menendez, his wife, Nadine, stands accused of collecting significant bribes from businessmen, one of whom returned voluntarily from Egypt to face charges.
Prosecutors are alleging that Menendez used his political clout to promote Egyptian interests, including pushing for $300 million in aid, despite U.S. concerns over Egypt’s human rights practices.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
