Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who once aligned himself with President Donald Trump, has begun serving an 11-year prison sentence after failing to secure a pardon or commutation from the president. Menendez, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, resigned in disgrace after being convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. Despite Menendez’s vocal support for Trump and claims of a political witch hunt, he has now reported to Federal Correctional Institution Schuylkill in Pennsylvania.

In contrast, other allies of Trump have seen their prosecutions dropped or sentences commuted, raising questions about political motivations in the justice system. The Trump administration has been criticized for weakening the government’s ability to fight public corruption, further highlighting concerns about selective pardons and prosecutions.

Menendez’s imprisonment comes after a federal appeals court denied his request to remain out on bail while appealing his conviction. Despite being allowed to attend his stepdaughter’s wedding, Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, who was also convicted on corruption charges, awaits sentencing. Meanwhile, Trump has granted pardons to various political allies, including former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, raising further scrutiny on the fairness and integrity of the justice system under the Trump administration.