Laverne Cox says her revenue has dropped about 90 percent in the past two years as companies, universities and other organizations pull back from diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The ‘Orange Is the New Black’ star linked the steep decline to President Donald Trump’s policies and broader political pressure around DEI and gender identity. Cox said speaking engagements, hosting contracts and teaching opportunities have disappeared, forcing her to tap into savings and retirement funds.
Laverne Cox links revenue loss to Trump’s DEI policies
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cox discussed the financial impact after speaking to Attitude and The Guardian about her career. “I lost so much money because of this administration last year,” he told Jarrera. “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 said organizations have been hesitant to hire people associated with DEI work or transgender advocacy. “This administration is very punitive about DEI or anything that suggests gender ideology, and corporations have been very afraid,” she said.The actor added that the decline has affected the financial security he built after finding fame. “In the last year or two, I’ve had to dip into savings and my retirement fund. So it’s a blessing that I finally have the privilege of having a retirement fund, but you don’t want to do that.”
Cox remembers financial struggles Before ‘Orange Is the New Black’
Cox was 40 years old when she landed the role of Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Before that, he had student loan debt and no savings or retirement funds.“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,” Attitude said.Speaking to The Guardian, Cox said hosting deals had ended, corporate speaking work had dried up and academic opportunities had been limited. He also expressed concern for transgender people who have fewer resources.“I think the important thing to consider is if Laverne Cox’s income has dropped significantly, what about all the other trans people who aren’t as privileged and blessed as I am?” he saidCox released her memoir, Transcendent, in the United States on June 9, 2026. The book covers his childhood, career, defense and international fame.
