Several Democrat lawmakers have distanced themselves from New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez’s donations after he was indicted on corruption and bribery charges. The charges allege that Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt scheme and benefitted the government of Egypt alongside three businessmen. The indictment has prompted calls for Menendez’s resignation from the Senate, and some politicians have announced they are returning or donating the money he sent from his New Millennium PAC. However, other Democrats have remained silent on their plans regarding Menendez’s contributions.
Fox News Digital reached out to several committees and offices of Democrats who have stayed quiet on Menendez’s cash, including Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who received $5,000 from Menendez’s PAC earlier this year. Manchin’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and considering Menendez innocent until proven guilty. Other senators, such as Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, did not respond to inquiries about their plans regarding Menendez’s contributions, which have ranged between $5,000 and $15,000 since 2021. Despite their silence, many of these senators have called for Menendez to resign.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which has received $30,000 from Menendez’s PAC in recent years, also did not comment on the matter. This contrasts with other Democrat politicians who have pledged to return or donate the money. Sens. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Jon Tester of Montana, who are facing tough re-election campaigns next year, are among those returning the donations. Additionally, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania promised to return the Menendez money in cash-stuffed envelopes, referencing the envelopes filled with cash discovered at Menendez’s home.
Despite the allegations, Menendez maintains his innocence and believes he will be fully exonerated. The indictment accuses him of using his power and influence in the U.S. Senate to participate in a scheme that benefited the Egyptian government. The charges state that Menendez and his wife accepted bribes, including cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, no-show job compensation, a luxury vehicle, and other valuables. Menendez believes that there are forces working to silence him and undermine his political career.
In conclusion, while some Democrat lawmakers have distanced themselves from Menendez’s donations following his indictment, others have chosen to remain silent on the matter. Menendez maintains his innocence and faces allegations of using his position for personal gain. The response from fellow Democrats varies, with some returning or donating the money he contributed, and others refraining from commenting on their plans.