Laverne Cox Says Trump-Era DEI Rollbacks Cost Her 90% of Her Income

Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox has revealed that she has lost approximately 90 percent of her income over the last two years, blaming the decline on the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during President Donald Trump’s second administration.

The Orange Is the New Black star opened up about her financial struggles while promoting her new memoir Transcendent, explaining that speaking engagements at universities, corporate events, hosting jobs and teaching opportunities have largely dried up as organizations distance themselves from DEI-related programming.

Cox said the shift has forced her to rely on personal savings and retirement funds to cover expenses. While she continues to work in acting and branding projects, the loss of speaking and educational opportunities has significantly impacted her earnings.

The actress pointed to a growing reluctance among corporations and institutions to support diversity-related initiatives. She believes the current political climate surrounding DEI programs has made organizations wary, leading them to scale back events, partnerships and educational programs that previously welcomed speakers like her.

Cox noted that the consequences of these changes extend far beyond her own situation. If someone with her level of visibility and career success can experience such a dramatic loss of income, she said, the impact on less-established transgender individuals could be far more severe.

Despite concerns that public advocacy could further reduce her professional opportunities, Cox has remained outspoken on issues affecting the transgender community. She said she briefly considered becoming less vocal but ultimately decided that speaking openly about her beliefs was important for her personal well-being and authenticity.

Cox rose to prominence through her groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, earning multiple Emmy nominations and becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable transgender performers. Beyond acting, she has worked as a speaker, host, producer and activist.

Her comments arrive amid ongoing national debates over DEI initiatives, transgender rights and the role of diversity programs across American education, business and government institutions. As she promotes her memoir, Cox continues to use her platform to highlight what she views as the broader impact of these policy changes on marginalized communities.