Reported by Benjamin Weiser

(Summarized version featured below)

Nadine Menendez, wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, is set to stand trial in March 2025 on charges of bribery and corruption. These charges are part of a broader investigation that previously led to the conviction of her husband. The couple is accused of accepting substantial gifts, including cash and gold bars, in exchange for exerting political influence. 

The allegations against Nadine Menendez involve her purported role in facilitating meetings and communications between her husband and various businessmen seeking favorable treatment. Prosecutors assert that she acted as an intermediary, arranging interactions that benefited their associates in return for lavish gifts. These actions allegedly compromised the integrity of Senator Menendez’s office. 

During the investigation, authorities discovered significant amounts of cash and gold bars in the Menendez residence, raising suspicions about the sources of these assets. The prosecution contends that these items were part of the bribery scheme, intended to influence the senator’s decisions on matters affecting the businessmen involved. 

Bob Menendez was convicted in July 2024 on multiple charges, including bribery, extortion, and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 11 years in prison in January 2025. His sentence was deferred to June 2025 to allow him to attend his wife’s trial. Nadine Menendez’s upcoming trial is expected to shed further light on the extent of her involvement in the alleged corruption activities. 

The case has attracted significant public attention, highlighting issues of political corruption and the ethical responsibilities of public officials and their families. The outcome of Nadine Menendez’s trial will likely have implications for ongoing discussions about accountability and transparency in government. 

Read full version: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/nyregion/nadine-menendez-trial.html