Laverne Cox has revealed that her income has plummeted by approximately 90 percent over the past two years, attributing the sharp decline to the retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by companies, colleges, and other organizations. The 'Orange Is the New Black' star linked this financial downturn directly to President Donald Trump’s policies and the broader political pressure surrounding DEI and gender identity.
Cox Connects Income Loss to Trump’s DEI Stance
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cox discussed the financial impact during interviews with Attitude and The Guardian. “I’ve lost so much money because of this administration, the past year,” she told Attitude. “I managed to stay busy with acting and branding work, as well as speaking engagements. But I never thought college speaking gigs would dry up.”
Cox explained that organizations have become hesitant to hire individuals associated with DEI work or transgender advocacy. “This administration is very punitive with anything that suggests DEI or gender ideology, and corporations have been very scared,” she said. The actor added that the decline has eroded the financial security she built after achieving fame. “The past year or two, I’ve had to dip into savings and my retirement fund. So, the blessing is that I finally have the privilege to have a retirement fund to dip into, but you don’t really want to do that.”
Financial Struggles Before 'Orange Is the New Black'
Cox was 40 when she landed her breakthrough role as Sophia Burset in 'Orange Is the New Black'. Before that, she carried student loan debt and had no savings or retirement fund. “When Orange came out in 2013, I didn’t know how long that moment would last. I didn’t know how successful it would or wouldn’t be,” she told Attitude.
Speaking to The Guardian, Cox said hosting deals had ended, corporate speaking work had dried up, and academic opportunities had become limited. She also expressed concern for transgender people with fewer resources. “I think the important thing to note is that if Laverne Cox’s income has gone down significantly, what about all the other trans people who are not as privileged and as blessed as I am?” she said.
Cox released her memoir, 'Transcendent', in the United States on June 9, 2026. The book covers her childhood, career, advocacy, and rise to international fame.
