Powerful Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife were indicted on Friday on federal bribery charges.
Menendez and his wife, Nadine, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.
Prosecutors allege the couple received hundreds of thousands of dollars and lavish luxury gifts in exchange for the senator wielding his influence to benefit three New Jersey business associates and the government of Egypt. The businessmen also face charges. Menendez last week denied the allegations and resisted calls to resign, saying"I'm not going anywhere." Monday's new conference is the first time he will speak publicly since the indictment. He and his co-defendants are due in court on Wednesday.
Menendez did step down temporarily as the chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as required under Senate Democratic Caucus rules. Sen. Bob Menendez walks through the Senate subway after a nomination vote at the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.