Anti-Turkish Senator Menendez ‘sold the power of his office’
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) walks through the Senate subway on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2022. (Reuters Photo)
Senator Robert Menendez, known for his vocal criticism of Türkiye and strong connections with Greek and Armenian advocacy groups, was found guilty on Tuesday of accepting extensive bribes, including gold bars and cash, in exchange for using his Senate position to benefit specific businessmen and foreign governments.
The verdict, delivered by a Manhattan federal court jury, comes at the end of a nine-week trial. Menendez was convicted on all 18 counts, including bribery, extortion, and acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Anti-Turkish Senator
Throughout his political career, Menendez has been a staunch critic of Türkiye, particularly its government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His criticism has been bolstered by his close ties to the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and Greek lobby organizations.
These affiliations have been a significant factor in his legislative efforts, including his advocacy for sanctions against Türkiye under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Menendez has also been a prominent recipient of support from Norpac, a pro-Israel lobby group. This backing from Norpac has played a role in his strong foreign policy positions, including his push for providing Greece with advanced military equipment such as F-35 fighter jets and his critical stance on Türkiye’s relationships with Iran and Russia.
Senator who “sold the power of his office”
The trial exposed how Menendez, as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, allegedly used his position to benefit various interests, including the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Prosecutors detailed how Menendez received substantial bribes, including gold bars and a luxury car, in exchange for his political favors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Monteleoni argued that Menendez “sold the power of his office,” using his influence not only for personal gain but also to benefit foreign entities and businessmen. This included leveraging his position to influence U.S. policies related to Egypt and Qatar.
Menendez’s conviction has sparked renewed calls for his resignation. The senator, who lost his Democratic primary bid to Rep. Andy Kim in June, has announced plans to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming November election. He has maintained his innocence, claiming that the charges are politically motivated and related to his outspoken positions on foreign policy.
