In a scathing critique, Senator John Fetterman (D-Penn.) lambasted his colleague, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), for his legal team’s strategy in his ongoing bribery trial, which Fetterman dubbed the “blaming your wife” defense.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Fetterman expressed disbelief that Menendez’s lawyers would attempt to shift the blame to his wife, Nadine, who is battling breast cancer. This tactic, Fetterman argued, is not only ineffective but also insensitive, given Nadine’s health struggles.
Menendez’s Legal Strategy Mocked as ‘Blaming Your Wife’ by Fetterman
Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen are facing charges related to an alleged bribery scheme involving lavish gifts and political influence. Despite his colleagues’ muted responses, Fetterman has been vocal in his criticism of Menendez, calling for his resignation last year and reiterating his stance on Sunday.
Fetterman emphasized that Menendez should not be receiving classified briefings on sensitive topics like Egypt and Qatar, given the allegations against him.
The trial began last week, with Menendez’s legal team attempting to distance his actions from those of his wife. In a peculiar move, defense attorney Avi Weitzman presented a “Where’s Waldo”-style slide to jurors, replacing Waldo with “Where’s Bob?” to illustrate the couple’s supposedly “separate lives.”
Fetterman’s sharp rebuke of Menendez’s strategy and his continued calls for accountability have raised eyebrows, but he remains steadfast in his conviction that Menendez should not continue to serve as a United States senator.
