The charges against Menendez include accepting cash and gold bars as bribes in exchange for benefiting the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, hailed the verdict as a victory for justice. He stated that Menendez's "years of selling his office to the higher bidder have finally come to an end."

During the reading of the verdict, Menendez appeared stoic, with his hands crossed and his chin resting on his hands. However, he shook his head in disagreement as the jurors were polled about the verdict. While Menendez expressed deep disappointment with the decision, he vowed to appeal the verdict.

Menendez's charges included bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Despite his not guilty plea, the prosecution argued that three businessmen had paid bribes to Menendez and his wife, resulting in actions taken to benefit them and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Evidence presented during the trial included the discovery of gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz, and over $480,000 in cash with Menendez's name on jackets and clothing in his New Jersey home. Prosecutors also highlighted fingerprints on some of the cash envelopes, which they believed linked the bribes to Menendez and his wife's associates.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, called for Menendez's resignation after the guilty verdict was delivered. Schumer stated that Menendez must do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and the country.

The timing of the verdict is significant as Menendez's Senate seat is up for election in the fall. Menendez had initially planned to run as an independent candidate, but it remains uncertain whether he will continue to pursue his candidacy following the guilty verdict.

The trial marked the second corruption trial faced by Senator Menendez during his 18-year career in the Senate. The first trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury in 2018, and the charges were subsequently dropped by the Justice Department.

It is important to note that Menendez's conviction does not automatically require him to resign from the Senate. However, numerous Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, had previously called for Menendez's resignation even before the trial began.

The Senate Ethics Committee announced that it will conduct a prompt investigation into the matter and consider a range of disciplinary actions. If the committee recommends his expulsion, a two-thirds majority of the entire Senate would be required for him to be expelled from office.

The outcome of Menendez's trial could have significant implications for his political career and the balance of power in the Senate. As the controversy surrounding Menendez deepens, the people of New Jersey and the nation await further developments in this high-profile case.