Menendez opts out of testifying in bribery trial as defense rests its case

Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez decided on Wednesday not to testify in his federal bribery trial as his defense lawyers rested their case.

The case centers on allegations that the senator and his wife Nadine accepted bribes in exchange for acting to benefit the governments in Egypt and Qatar when he was the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendez explained his decision not to testify to reporters outside of the courthouse after the court was dismissed for the day, saying he did not believe that it was necessary for him to testify and that he expected the jury would not convict him.

"From my perspective, the government has failed to prove every aspect of this case," the senator said, per NBC News.

Prosecutors in the case allege that Menendez and his wife were paid with gold bars and cash, which were found during a raid of the senator's home in 2022. Many of the gold bars and cash were found “stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe,” according to the indictment.

The senator has pleaded not guilty in the case, and closing arguments are expected to be delivered next week. Nadine Menendez is also facing charges in the case but will be tried later, after she recovers from breast cancer. 

Two of the men who have been accused of bribing the senator are also standing trial alongside Bob Menendez, but the third pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the senator in the case.

Menendez has refused calls for him to resign over the legal scandal, but stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after he was indicted, following Democratic party rules. He is up for reelection this November, and has opted to run as an independent after he changed his mind about seeking reelection earlier this year. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.