Who Is William Cohen? Age, Biography, and Wiki
William Cohen, born on August 28, 1940, is a prominent American politician renowned for his extensive career in public service. As of 2025, Cohen is 84 years old, and he has made significant contributions to American politics, particularly during his tenure as a U.S. Senator from Maine and later as Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton. His political journey reflects a commitment to public service and bipartisan cooperation.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1940 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Bangor, Maine, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
William Cohen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about William Cohen's height and weight remain less publicized, it is common for politicians of his era to maintain a standard build typical of their demographic. Average build for men of his age usually falls in the range of 5'9" to 6'0", weighing between 150 to 180 pounds.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
William Cohen has had a notable personal life alongside his political career. He was previously married to Janet Langhart Cohen, a former journalist and television producer, but the couple divorced in 2005. As of 2025, Cohen's relationship status is single. He tends to keep his personal life private, focusing much of his current energies on civic engagement and mentorship.
Pursuant to his father's wishes, Cohen was raised Jewish, attended a synagogue, and also attended Hebrew School in preparation for his bar mitzvah, but he decided not to follow through with his bar mitzvah when he was informed that he would have to convert formally to Judaism, and he began to practice Christianity.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, William Cohen's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his lengthy political career, speaking engagements, and consulting work, which have garnered him a considerable salary over the years. In addition to his political earnings, Cohen has written books and served on various corporate boards, enhancing his financial portfolio.
One of Cohen's first major duties was to present to Congress the fiscal year 1998 defense budget, which had been prepared under Secretary Perry. Cohen requested a $250.7 billion budget, which represented 3 percent of the nation's estimated gross domestic product for FY 1998.
Cohen stressed three top budget priorities: people (recruiting and retaining skilled people through regular military pay raises, new construction or modernization of barracks, and programs for child care, family support, morale, welfare, and recreation), readiness (support for force readiness, training, exercises, maintenance, supplies, and other e
ssential needs), and modernization (development and upgrading of weapon and supporting systems to guarantee the combat superiority of U.S.
forces). This meant increasing the funds available for procurement of new systems, with the target set at $60 billion by FY2001.
Career, Business, and Investments
William Cohen’s illustrious career began as a U.S. Representative from Maine, followed by a successful run in the Senate. He occupied the position of Secretary of Defense from 1997 to 2001, playing a pivotal role in military and defense policies during a transformative time in U.S. history. After leaving public office, Cohen transitioned into the private sector, engaging in consulting and advocacy work.
Cohen is also known for his involvement in several philanthropic efforts and has invested in various business ventures, particularly focusing on sustainable energy and technology startups, reflecting his support for innovation and environmental stewardship.
He became an assistant county attorney for Penobscot County (1968–1970). In 1968 he became an instructor at Husson College in Bangor, and later was an instructor in business administration at the University of Maine (1968–1972).
Social Network
While William Cohen does not maintain a widely publicized social media presence like many contemporary politicians, he is known to engage with civic and educational organizations, keeping a low profile and focusing on in-person interactions. Articles and interviews featuring his insights are often shared by political analysts and on platforms focusing on public policy.
On December 5, 1996, President Bill Clinton announced his selection of Cohen as Secretary of Defense, saying that he was the "right person" to build on the achievements of retiring secretary William Perry "to secure the bipartisan support America's armed forces must have and clearly deserve." As Secretary of Defense Cohen played a large role in dir
ecting the United States military actions in Iraq and Kosovo, including the dismissal of Wesley Clark from his post as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander.
Both Operation Desert Fox in Iraq and Operation Allied Force in Kosovo were launched just months after al-Qaeda carried out the United States embassy bombings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya in 1998.
Education
William Cohen is a well-educated individual, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College in 1962. He furthered his education by earning a law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1965, displaying his commitment to law and governance, which ultimately laid the groundwork for his future in political life.
After graduating from Bangor High School in 1958, Cohen attended Bowdoin College, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin in 1962. While a student at Bowdoin, Cohen was initiated as a brother of the Kappa chapter of the Psi Upsilon fraternity.
