Supporters of former Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) are reportedly seeking a presidential pardon for him from President-elect Donald Trump.

According to NBC News, President Biden has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of granting clemency to Menendez since the fall. As a result, Menendez has shifted his focus to Trump, despite having voted to convict him during both of his impeachment trials.

Although there is no love lost between the two, Menendez, who is awaiting sentencing on January 29, is reportedly optimistic that Trump will grant him clemency if he requests a commutation rather than a full pardon. Allies believe this could increase his chances once Trump assumes office.

Menendez, 71, also thinks Biden’s rejection might motivate Trump to show leniency, his allies claim.

A source close to Trump, however, told NBC News that the president-elect may not be willing to overlook the fact that Menendez twice voted to impeach him during his previous term.

Menendez is facing a potential 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of accepting bribes, which prosecutors described as “naked greed.” The alleged bribes included gold bars, cash, and various gifts.

Prosecutors say Menendez accepted these bribes in exchange for advancing the interests of three New Jersey businessmen as well as the governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Although Menendez has consistently maintained his innocence, he stepped down from his Senate seat in August after mounting pressure to resign.

{Matzav.com}