Shockwaves have been sent through the nation as Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been indicted for accepting bribes and pressuring government officials for political donors. On September 22, federal prosecutors filed charges against Menendez and his wife for allegedly receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from three businessmen in exchange for pushing the State Department to accept their business.
Not only were cash payments involved, but gold, luxury vehicles, and other things of value were also allegedly exchanged.
Furthermore, when law enforcement searched his home they discovered $100k in gold and $480k hidden in various places across clothing closets and a safe.
BREAKING: Democrat NJ Sen. Bob Menendez indicted for taking bribes from three businessmen including cash, gold, mortgage payments and a luxury vehicle @DailyCaller https://t.co/sMgmvDSS62 pic.twitter.com/dTEO9vWXDs
— James Lynch (@jameslynch32) September 22, 2023
It’s a hefty charge and an historic event: according to the Senate Historical Office, he’s the first sitting senator to ever be indicted twice on unrelated criminal charges.
This indictment will no doubt have profound implications on both Senator Menendez’s reelection campaign next year which could decide whether or not the Democratic Party will remain in control of Congress.
As prominent figures like Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jon Tester (D-MT) are all up for reelections next year, this matter likely won’t help their chances either if Democrats fail to distance themselves from Senator Menendez quickly enough.
per Menendez indictment: "Over $480,000 in cash—much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe—was discovered in the home"
— Sam Stein (@samstein) September 22, 2023
In addition to these criminal charges, there’s still a possibility that Senator Menendez may face another probe from the IRS due to tax improprieties that had been reported back in May.
If he does face such an inquiry it could make matters even worse for him personally and for Democrats across America who may be hoping he can survive this trial come November next year.
At this point though it’s hard to predict what exactly will happen since so many variables are at play here including whatever evidence comes out during the trial itself which remains ongoing at present.
