Laverne Cox Has Lost 90% of Her Income and Blames Trump’s ‘Regime’ for Attacking ‘Gender Ideology and DEI’

Laverne Cox recently told The Guardian while promoting her new book, “Transcendent: A Memoir,” that 90% of her income has been lost over the last few years due to Donald Trump administration’s attacks on gender ideology and DEI. The “Orange Is the New Black” Emmy winner noted her corporate speaking engagements have dried up in addition to her teaching work as a result.

“This regime has threatened to defund any colleges and universities that promote gender ideology, DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion],” Cox said. “Even though I’d be teaching a graduate acting class, it could be perceived as promoting trans ideology. These are the realities.”

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Cox continued, “I’m not complaining – I’m very blessed. 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? There are material consequences for this kind of discrimination and scapegoating.”

Not that Cox is surprised. The actor told The Guardian that attacks on DEI were explicit in Project 2025 campaigns ahead of Trump’s re-election. She noted: “All these words had to be taken out of every piece of legislation, policy, government document: gender, gender ideology, gender identity, LGBTQ, DEI, abortion, contraception.”

At the same time Cox started losing speaking engagement and teaching opportunities, she also ended her stint as the host of E!’s “Live From the Red Carpet” after three years. She announced her departure in January 2025 just ahead of the Golden Globes.

“With an incredible amount of gratitude I’ve decided not to return as host of #LiveFromE’s red carpet coverage. I’m so incredibly proud of the work we did over my three year tenure,” Cox posted on social media alongside a reel of highlight clips. “These moments are a reminder to me of what an incredible privilege it has been to talk to some of the world’s greatest artists about their work, navigating the pressures of success, etc. I’m so excited to keep growing, evolving and exploring great opportunities as an actress, artist, host and speaker. I hope you’ll all continue to go with me on my evolving journey.”

Cox recently appeared in Jonah Hill’s Apple comedy film “Outcome,” which debuted on the streamer in April.