Senator Menendez's Defense Rests in High-Stakes Bribery Trial

Senator Bob Menendez's defense team rested without him testifying at his New York bribery trial. Over two days, several witnesses were called to counter seven weeks of evidence presented by prosecutors. Menendez, charged with accepting significant bribes in exchange for Senate favors, maintains his innocence.

In a pivotal moment of the ongoing bribery trial, the defense for Senator Bob Menendez concluded on Wednesday without the New Jersey Democrat taking the stand. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Menendez chose not to testify.

The defense team employed a strategic approach over two days, presenting several witnesses in their effort to dismantle the extensive case built by Manhattan federal prosecutors over seven weeks. The evidence against Menendez, including numerous exhibits and communications, aims to prove he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold and cash between 2018 and 2022. These bribes allegedly influenced his Senate duties to benefit three New Jersey businessmen.

Menendez, now 70, has steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing and strongly refuting the charges that he misused his influential position for personal gain.

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