Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial, where gold bars may shine, begins Monday

It’s unfortunate to hear that the trial of Senator Bob Menendez is starting today. He’s facing charges of accepting bribes in the form of gold and cash to use his influence in favor of three businessmen from New Jersey.

Menendez, along with two of the businessmen, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, have pleaded not guilty. Another businessman has already pleaded guilty and will be testifying against the other defendants. Interestingly, the senator’s wife is also charged, but her trial has been postponed until at least July.

Although opening statements might not happen before Tuesday, this trial has already had an impact on Menendez’s political career. After the charges were announced last September, he was forced to step down from his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Additionally, he has announced that he won’t be seeking reelection on the Democratic ticket this fall, but he hasn’t ruled out running as an independent.

This isn’t the first time Menendez has faced corruption charges. He had another trial earlier this decade, but it ended with a deadlocked jury in 2017. Let’s see how this trial unfolds.