In a shocking series of events, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez faces allegations of bribery and corruption. He is now under investigation and being put on trial. This case alleges Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, have been accepting gifts such as gold bars and cash from Egypt. However, this is not the only scandal Menendez has been involved in leading to what could be the end of his political career. Menendez and his wife were indicted September of 2023 in New Jersey, on federal bribery charges. The bribes were part of a scheme to secure political favors including influencing U.S policy in order to benefit Egypt. 

Wayne Valley History teacher, Douglas Flower, explained how he felt about the situation. He said,  “Well, I think he should get in trouble if he did what they alleged he did (Taking bribes from Egypt), I think he shouldn’t be in the senate and should be in jail if that’s true.” Flower believes that corruption in politics should be a federal offense because our government doesn’t condone it. This poses the question: If the people we elect to enforce the laws don’t follow it, what does this tell us about the political climate of our nation?

When asked if he felt Bob Menendez was being held accountable enough, he said, “They’re putting him on trial so I think that’s as much as they can do.” Flower explains that as a New Jersey citizen there were ups and downs during Senator Menendez’s years as Senator. However, Flower does not fully know if he can directly contribute any of it to Menendez.  However, when Mark Vesce, Wayne Valley History and legal studies teacher, was asked the same question he replied, “Federal government isn’t doing enough because Menendez is just out and about living his life and they’re probably going to give him a little bit of leeway as far as a punishment.”  

Vesce also stated, “I’m not surprised;, he’s spent his entire career in politics and essentially did nothing to earn his position besides being brought into it and he has continually abused his power to skate around the law and to give himself more power, more access, and more money.” It is believed that Menendez didn’t earn his position through hardwork but instead through power and influence. 

 “You always want the people who are going to represent New Jersey and do the best for New Jersey and he is only doing what’s best for himself,” voiced Vecse. Many New Jersey citizens  feels very passionately that Menendez should be held accountable. The people of New Jersey deserve a senator who cares 100% about the well-being of citizens.