New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez walked back earlier claims that President Obama was behind his recent federal indictment of bribery and said he wouldn’t back down from his demand for congressional approval of an Iran deal.
“I cannot imagine that an administration would go to such lengths and undermine our constitutional democracy,” the Democratic senator said during his first television interview since being indicted earlier this month.
The New Jersey senator previously said when he was indicted earlier this month that it was an attempt to silence him, but wasn’t more specific. The senator has been a critic of President Obama’s foreign policy, specifically the Iran nuclear deal and the administration’s efforts to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Menendez, appearing on “Fox News Sunday,” said that he believes he will be vindicated in court. He is charged with using his office to help a donor and friend Saolomon Melgen with dealing with Medicare overbilling and other actions in exchange for gifts.
The senator also remained defiant on his critiques of Obama’s foreign policy. He and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., authored a bill that will require congressional approval of the proposed Iran nuclear deal.
When asked by host Chris Wallace whether anyone in the administration has pushed for Menendez to pull the bill, he refused to comment.
“I am not backing off,” said Menendez, who has been in the Senate since 2006. “I honestly believe it is a congressional duty … to review whatever agreement comes about.”
