Internet labels Bob Menendez 'traitor' as he is set to resign following federal bribery conviction

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bob Menendez, also called Robert Menendez of New Jersey, will resign from his position in the Senate on August 20, according to reports.

The decison comes as Menendez bows to intense pressure from Democratic colleagues pushing for him to step down following federal bribery conviction.

Menendez was found guilty on all counts on July 15 after being tried on charges of accepting bribes, including cash and gold bars, to benefit the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Bob Menendez told the members of his staff about his plan to resign 

Menendez told the members of his staff on Tuesday, July 23, that he planned to resign from Congress. Three sources told the New Jersey Globe that his regignation letter "could come as early as today."

New Jersey governor Philip D Murphy is expected to appoint a replacement who would serve until January 3, 2025, when Menendez's term actually ends.

According to the publication, Murphy has expressed willingness to select a caretaker with potential candidates being First Lady Tammy Murphy, Lt Governor Tahesha Way, former Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, and US District Court Judge Esther Salas.

Meanwhile, "there are likely to be others on the list as well." Representative Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), the Democratic nominee for Menendez's seat in the autumn general election, has stated that he would accept Senate appointment if requested.

Bob Menendez's resignation will avoid potentially ugly intraparty fight 

Menendez’s decision to quit months before the end of his third term will likely allow Democrats to avoid a potentially ugly intraparty fight at a highly fraught political moment, the New York Times noted.

He has insisted that he is innocent and vowed to appeal the guilty verdict.

Menendez was resisting resignation ever since a federal indictment against him was unsealed last September.

Federal prosecutors accused the senator of using his influence in Washington to obtain cash, gifts, and gold bars from three New Jersey businessmen.

It was Menendez's second bribery indictment following his victory over corruption allegations in 2017 after a mistrial.

How will Bob Menendez benefit from delaying his resignation by one month?

Menendez's resignation marks the end of a five-decade political career that saw him climb from mayor of his hometown, Union City, New Jersey, to one of Washington's most important foreign policy voices as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendez will guarantee himself at least one more month of his Senate pay and health insurance by delaying until August, according to the Times.

These benefits come at a critical juncture when his finances are collapsing and his wife, Nadine Menendez, is undergoing cancer treatment.

His federal pension would not be immediately affected by his resignation, but if his conviction is affirmed, he may lose it in accordance with a federal anticorruption statute.

Internet reacts to Bob Menendez's resignation announcement

"Menendez has abused politics for his own interests. I am happy that he got what he deserved," wrote one on X.

Another mocked his resignation by writing, "Why wait a month? One more paycheck? He should lose his government pension."

"Good. He’s a crook and a traitor," one expressed hapiness. "About time!" commented one more. 

"Should have done it months ago," suggested one. "As he should have...months ago." wrote one more. 

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.