Menendez slams prosecutors for refusing delay of wife’s trial

Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez lashed out at federal prosecutors today for their unwillingness to delay the corruption trial of his wife, Nadine, who had surgery last week – and took steps to let President Donald Trump know that.

“My wife, who had breast cancer reconstructive surgery just days ago, is being forced by the government to go to trial tomorrow,” Menendez said in a social media post.  “Only the arrogance of the SDNY (Southern District of New York) can be so cruel and inhumane. They should let her fully recover.”

The former senator’s decision to tag Trump on his X/Twitter post is consistent with a view that he is openly campaigning for a pardon from a president who holds the Biden Justice Department in low regard.   After his sentencing, he said he was the victim of a political witch hunt by federal prosecutors.

Menendez has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison after his conviction last July on bribery charges.  Nadine Menendez was indicted with him in September 2023, but U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein allowed her to postpone her trial as she battled breast cancer.

During his trial, Menendez’s attorneys told jurors that the former senator didn’t know about his wife’s finances or her dealings with businessmen who bribed him.   They said the gold bars and cash found after the FBI obtained a search of the Englewood Cliffs home were from Nadine Menendez’s closet.

Menendez remains out of prison until the end of his wife’s trial.  He has filed an appeal.