U.S. Senator Robert Menendez was indicted after a corruption investigation into whether he took gifts from a campaign donor, imperiling the political career of one of the most influential Democratic and Latino voices on foreign policy.
Menendez was charged in connection with gifts from Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor and longtime friend who sought his help in a dispute with federal agencies. Menendez is the 12th U.S. senator in history to be charged while serving in office, and the prospect of a lengthy case could put pressure on him to resign. Melgen was also indicted today.
The three-year inquiry, delving into luxury jet flights and tabloid tales of Caribbean vacations, cast a pall on the career of Menendez, 61, a son of Cuban immigrants who rose through the political ranks in Hudson County, New Jersey. He served in the House for 13 years and entered the Senate in 2006, ascending to lead the Foreign Relations Committee. He emerged as a leading critic of President Barack Obama’s efforts to forge a nuclear deal with Iran and restore relations with Cuba.
Throughout the Justice Department investigation, Menendez denied wrongdoing and vowed to stay in office.
“Every action I and my office have taken for the 23 years that I have been privileged to serve in the U.S. Congress has been based on pursuing the best policies for the people of New Jersey and of this entire country,” Menendez said March 6.