Following the rules of the Democratic bench, Senator Bob Menendez resigned, this Friday (22), as president of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, became defendants in a lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice.
The couple is accused of receiving US$500,000 (around R$2.5 million) in cash and gold ingots. In return, Menendez allegedly tried to intercede with the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of an Egyptian meat exporting company and influence President Joe Biden’s choice of a federal prosecutor in his state, New Jersey, to favor a businessman.
It is the second time since 2015 that the powerful senator has been accused of corruption. In the previous case, the jurors’ votes were tied and the trial was not concluded.
Menendez claims that prosecutors are unaware of the work of a congressman and says he is a victim of political persecution — the same argument used by Donald Trump — even though his party is in power.
The Justice Department released photos taken by the FBI of the money, including hidden in a jacket with Menendez’s name on it. The political implications of the process are vast. Senator since 2006, Menendez is seeking re-election next year.
The Senate has had very tight majorities. In the current legislature, there are 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. An eventual defeat or even the end of Menendez’s career could cost the Democrats their majority.
Furthermore, the senator, of Cuban origin, is one of those responsible for maintaining the American embargo against Cuba. The government of Democrat Barack Obama (2009-2017), with Joe Biden as vice-president, normalized diplomatic relations with the communist regime and relaxed some sanctions.
Menendez opposed this measure. The coordinator of the rapprochement, diplomat Ricardo Zúniga, assistant secretary of state, became disaffected with the senator because of it.
Unable to be nominated for an ambassadorship, due to Menendez’s veto, Zúniga is retiring this month and going into the private sector. He could have waited a little longer.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
