Bob Menendez claims his legacy is 'breaking down barriers' in tearful interview following resignation

WASHINGTON, DC: Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez broke down while speaking about his political legacy in a recent interview with Spanish-American language broadcaster Noticias Univision, the New York Post reported on Sunday, August 25.

Menendez was convicted of 16 felony counts in July for using the power of his office to accept lucrative bribes. He resigned from the Senate last week and has since filed an appeal against his conviction.

Bob Menendez defiantly claims innocence, vows to fight conviction

“My legacy is one of breaking down barriers,” the former Democratic lawmaker said, holding back tears during the interview. "A legacy is planting seeds to create a tree where you won’t sit under it. That’s a legacy. And in that sense, we have sown and planted so many seeds, which I know is a good legacy.”

Menendez insisted that he had not broken any laws and portrayed himself as a victim, asserting that he would take his case to the Supreme Court if necessary. His sentencing is scheduled for October 29.

"You’re going to see that there was an injustice and a legal wrong,” he asserted while speaking in an emotional yet defiant tone in Spanish. "When you are innocent, you find it difficult. And when you know as I know that many times my voice was the only voice that was raised. I know that not having that voice on behalf of our community is a loss.”

Internet shows no sympathy for Bob Menendez

Netizens responding to Bob Menendez's comments on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) displayed no sympathy for the convicted felon, criticizing him harshly in their posts. The following tweets highlight the prevailing sentiments.

"If by breaking down barriers you mean being the first Cuban Congressman convicted of Bribery, then you tore down those walls big man! Congrats!" mocked a person.

"He's a criminal who was found guilty of corruption, he doesn't get to ride off into the sunset we need names and he needs a striped jumpsuit," stated another.

"More like breaking down gold bars," jibed a third.

"He’s tearing up over his legacy of bribery and quid pro quo?!!" exclaimed a user.

"Breaking down barriers to his bank account," quipped another.

"The only thing he’s upset about is that he got caught," chided one more user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.