 The New Jersey Democrat was accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold, and a luxury car from three businessmen, as well as acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. Prosecutors successfully argued that Menendez abused his power to protect allies from criminal investigations and enrich associates through acts that included helping Egypt access millions in U.S. military aid. Menendez insisted he never took a bribe and that he always put U.S. interests first, corresponded Jeremy House.