Allies of ex-Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) are reportedly angling to win a pardon for the disgrace pol from President-elect Trump.
President Biden has apparently rebuffed the idea multiple times since the fall, forcing Menendez to set his sights on Trump — who he voted to convict during both of impeachment trials, sources told NBC News.
Despite the bad blood, the former Jersey pol who awaits a Jan. 29 sentencing, is more confident that Trump will deliver mercy once he retakes the Oval Office — especially if he asks for a sentence commutation instead of a full pardon, the outlet reported.
Menendez, 71, also believes a rejection from Biden might make Trump more inclined to grant clemency, allies said.
A Trump source, however, told the outlet that the president-elect is unlikely to look past Menendez twice voting to impeach him during his first presidency.
Menendez faces up to 15 years in federal prison for his “naked greed” in accepting a “hoard of bribes” — including gold bars, cash and gifts, prosecutors said earlier this month.
The Democrat was convicted in July of accepting bribes in exchange for advancing the interests of three Garden State businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Menendez has repeatedly sworn his innocence but resigned from the Senate under pressure in August.
The Democrat declined to comment when reached by NBC News.
Neither the White House nor representatives for Trump responded to requests for comment from The Post.
