Nadine Menendez, wife of former senator, convicted in bribery scheme
PBS NewsHourAPR 22
Nadine Menendez Found Guilty in Alleged Bribery Scheme
Above: Nadine Menendez, spouse of ex-Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), departs Manhattan Federal Court following her trial in New York City on April 21, 2025. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Nadine and Bob Menendez were shameless partners in crime. They placed their insatiable greed and appetite for profit ahead of the interests of the citizens of the United States, all while servicing the demands of foreign actors. Nadine's conviction, therefore, represents justice long in the making and sends a clear signal that public office is not for sale.
Narrative B
Nadine Menendez's conviction is a devastating miscarriage of justice. Mrs. Menendez was not even physically fit to stand trial, given her breast cancer treatment, but was made to nonetheless by an inhumane and callous legal system. Despite the court's judgment today, however, this case is not over, and the Menendezes will continue the fight to clear their name.