On Wednesday, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez will stand trial for charges of bribery; he is accused of accepting money, private flights, and vacations from a doctor in exchange for political favors. Menendez asserts that he is a longtime friend of the doctor and that the charges don’t rise to bribery. Should politicians be allowed to accept gifts?

On Wednesday, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez will stand trial for charges of bribery; he is accused of accepting money, private flights, and vacations from a doctor in exchange for political favors. Menendez asserts that he is a longtime friend of the doctor and that the charges don’t rise to bribery. Should politicians be allowed to accept gifts? Published on September 7, 2017 → Survey conducted on September 7, 2017 on 7178 U.S. adults

All adults

Region

Gender

Politics

Age

They should not

49%

They should, as long as they report them all

25%

They should, but they should not have to report gifts of smaller value

They should, and they should not have to report them

Other/Not sure

15%

They should not

49%

They should, as long as they report them all

25%

They should, but they should not have to report gifts of smaller value

They should, and they should not have to report them

Other/Not sure

15%

Share your view and join YouGov so your views are reflected in our research in the future

And how do you imagine your household's financial situation to be 12 months from now, in comparison to your present financial situation?

Equal shares want Congress to impeach Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth

How voters divided over the Iran war, transgender athletes, and other issues

Understanding the big Democratic midterms win: November 4-6, 2026 Economist / YouGov Poll

Independents broke strongly in favor of Democratic candidates in the 2026 congressional elections

How popular is Donald Trump in Europe? October 2026

U.S. bipartisan brand rankings 2026

2026 U.S. elections: YouGov's final polling for the Senate, the House, and governors' races

Democrats' midterms lead, voter-fraud concerns, Ramaswamy’s ad, and more: October 23–26, 2026 Economist / YouGov Poll

Most registered voters disapprove of Vivek Ramaswamy’s ad attacking opponent Amy Acton