Senator Bob Menendez: A History of Corruption, Bribery, and Anti-Turkey Stance

New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez is facing calls for resignation due to allegations of corruption and bribery that have persisted for decades. He has a history of promoting an anti-Turkey stance in Washington, which has raised questions about the influence of financially powerful Greek and Armenian lobbyists on his political decisions. Menendez has been vocal about his opposition to Turkey in various instances. In 2007, he blocked the nomination of Richard Hoagland for Ambassador to Armenia because Hoagland did not acknowledge the events of 1915 as a “genocide,” a charge that Turkey vehemently denies. Menendez also co-authored a book in 2019 criticizing Turkey’s actions in Syria and its purchase of the Russian S-400 defense system. He has called for support to the Syrian Kurds, who are recognized as a terrorist group by the United States. Menendez has been critical of Turkey’s policies and has questioned its NATO membership, particularly regarding its purchase of Russian weapons. He has also criticized Turkey’s involvement in Syria and called for a ceasefire. Menendez has condemned Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque and criticized its drilling activities in the Mediterranean. He has also criticized Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Menendez’s statements reflect a strong anti-Turkey stance, but they have been met with criticism for their omission of Turkey’s perspective and denial of international law.