Jury selection has commenced in the corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez, accused of accepting bribes and acting as an unregistered agent for the Egyptian government.

Menendez, alongside two New Jersey businessmen, faces 16 charges in Manhattan federal court.

Allegations include accepting cash, gold bars, and a car in exchange for political favors, aiding Egyptian arms sales, and manipulating a criminal case.

Menendez and his wife, Nadine, plead not guilty, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Despite confidence in his exoneration, Menendez faces criticism and dwindling popularity among voters and Democratic colleagues.

If cleared, he considers an independent run for re-election. This marks Menendez’s second trial following a mistrial in 2017.

Written by B.C. Begley