Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called for the expulsion of fellow Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) following the ouster of Rep. George Santos (R-NY) Friday. The statement comes amid an extensive federal investigation into the longtime senator’s links to the Egyptian government.
The senator argued that Menendez was more of a “senator from Egypt, not New Jersey” after it was revealed that Menendez allegedly accepted numerous payments from the Egyptian government.
Fetterman made the comments during an appearance on “The View.”
The Pennsylvania Democrat stated that he was “not surprised” at Santos’ removal from office.
However, his main comments surrounded his colleague from New Jersey.
“But to me, I think the more important picture is that we have a colleague in the Senate that has actually did more sinister and serious kinds of things. Senator Menendez, he needs to go!” said Fetterman.
Fetterman: "We have a colleague in the Senate that's actually done much more sinister kinds of things. He needs to go. If you are going to expel Santos, how can you allow Menendez to remain in the Senate? Menendez is really a Senator for Egypt, not New Jersey." pic.twitter.com/OdWTznfnmL
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) December 1, 2023
“And if you are going to expel Santos, how can you allow somebody like Menendez to remain in the Senate?” he added.
Fetterman then said that “Santos’ lies were almost funny,” but framed Menendez’s actions as more dangerous.
The senator and more than a dozen Democratic members of the Senate called for Menendez’s resignation.
Following the initial announcement of the investigation, Menendez has also been federally charged with conspiracy to act as a foreign agent for Egypt. Menendez pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Justice Department accused Menendez and his wife of multiple elements of conspiracy, including attempting to influence law enforcement in an investigation of associates’ friends. According to law enforcement, Nadine Menendez received a $60,000 luxury car after the efforts.
Furthermore, law enforcement accused the senator of pressuring the federal government to redirect policy regarding Egypt’s access to the Nile River. He also allegedly called for the senate to reverse a hold on $300 million in aid for the Middle Eastern nation.
The Justice Department also alleged that Menendez transferred privileged information on American diplomats and military aid to the Egyptian government.
A search of the Menendez household revealed $100,000 in gold bars and almost $500,000 in cash.
