Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey has refused to resign after being indicted on federal bribery charges. Speaking defiantly at a public appearance, Menendez declared that he will fight the charges and believes he will be exonerated. The senator and his wife are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion. Federal prosecutors claim that Menendez accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars and luxurious gifts in exchange for using his position to benefit three New Jersey business associates and the government of Egypt. The senator maintains his innocence and insists that the accusations against him are baseless.
Menendez defended his actions, stating that he has always worked to hold countries accountable for human rights abuses, including Egypt. He also addressed one specific allegation, explaining that he withdrew cash from his personal savings over the years, which he kept for emergencies and due to his family’s history of confiscation in Cuba. The indictment against Menendez alleges that stacks of cash were found hidden in his home during a search conducted last year. The senator has temporarily stepped down as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but he remains confident that he has not lost the trust of his constituents. Despite calls for his resignation from lawmakers such as New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Menendez intends to continue his work on behalf of the people of New Jersey and is focused on avoiding a government shutdown.