Amid Trial, Senator Reveals Wife's Cancer Diagnosis

Bob Menendez says he and Nadine are going public because of constant questions
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 16, 2024 12:34 PM CDT
Amid Trial, Senator Reveals Wife's Cancer Diagnosis
A file photo of Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine, in September 2023. The senator disclosed Thursday that his wife has cancer. Both are charged in a bribery case.   (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon, File)

Sen. Bob Menendez said Thursday that his wife has breast cancer and will require a mastectomy, a revelation made just as the presentation of evidence began at his New York bribery trial. The New Jersey Democrat said he was revealing his wife's health crisis at her request after repeated inquiries from the media. "We are, of course, concerned about the seriousness and advanced stage of the disease," the senator said in a statement, per the AP. "She will require follow-up surgery and possibly radiation treatment. We hope and pray for the best results."

Previously, lawyers for Nadine Menendez had requested her trial on charges in the case be delayed after she had been diagnosed with a serious health issue. Judge Sidney H. Stein had postponed her trial until at least July. She has pleaded not guilty. Menendez issued the statement in an email as opening statements were completed and the presentation of evidence began at his trial in Manhattan federal court with testimony from an FBI agent who led the raid on the Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home he shared with his wife.

  • The trial: The senator has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, fraud, extortion, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. He is on trial this week with two of three businessmen who have been charged along with him. A third businessman has pleaded guilty in the case and will testify against the others.
  • Wife's role: On Wednesday, attorney Avi Weitzman, representing Bob Menendez, told jurors his client was unaware that his spouse had accepted gifts from the three businessmen and did not know about cash and gold bars hidden in a closet at their home.
(More Bob Menendez stories.)

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