Jury told US senator traded access for bribes, described as ‘greedy’ politician

Democratic US Senator Bob Menendez faced a tough start to his corruption trial in New York as prosecutors painted him as a greedy politician willing to betray the public trust for personal gain. The trial, which began on Wednesday, saw prosecutors accusing Menendez of accepting bribes from foreign governments in exchange for political favors.

According to prosecutors, Menendez used his wife as a go-between to help Egypt secure US military assistance and aid the business interests of two New Jersey businessmen linked to local criminal cases. The couple allegedly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including cash, mortgage payments, a luxury car, and even gold bars.

While Menendez’s lawyer defended him as a “lifelong public servant,” prosecutors detailed a web of corruption spanning from 2018 to 2023. The senator is facing 16 criminal charges, including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction. His wife and the two businessmen are also on trial and have pleaded not guilty.

The trial, which could last until early July, is a major blow to Menendez, who previously faced bribery charges in 2017 resulting in a mistrial. The case has already cost him his leadership of the Senate foreign relations committee.

As the trial unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see if Menendez can clear his name or if he will be held accountable for the alleged corruption that prosecutors claim tainted his political career.