Steve Cohen, a U.S. Congressman representing Tennessee’s 9th district since 2007, has recently voiced his concerns on social media regarding actions taken by former President Donald Trump. Cohen, who succeeded Harold Ford Jr., has been an active member of Congress and previously served in the Tennessee Senate from 1983 to 2003.
On May 5, 2025, Cohen criticized Trump’s understanding of his presidential duties. He stated that “Trump doesn’t understand his job—which is to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution.” Cohen expressed disapproval of Trump’s desire for a $90 million birthday celebration involving military displays such as tanks and jets. He emphasized that Trump should focus on his responsibilities as President rather than seeking grandiose displays akin to historical figures like Genghis Khan or Napoleon.
The following day, May 6, 2025, Cohen addressed Trump’s stance towards media organizations and journalists. He noted that “Trump’s attacks on NPR, PBS & independent journalists are threats meant to punish truth-tellers and scare anyone who might oppose him.” In response to these actions against the press, Cohen introduced a resolution condemning what he described as Trump’s “war on the free press.” He reiterated the importance of press freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment.
Further elaborating on this initiative on May 6, 2025, Cohen expressed pride in leading this resolution alongside Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Jim McGovern. He urged congressional members to take a stand by supporting efforts to uphold the First Amendment rights. As he stated: “Every Member of Congress needs to show where they stand and support this effort to defend the First Amendment.”
Steve Cohen was born in Memphis in 1949 and continues to reside there at age 73. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a BA in 1971 and holding a JD from the University of Memphis since 1973, he remains committed to advocating for constitutional principles during his tenure in Congress.
