Laverne Cox recently released her latest book, a memoir called “Transcendent.” While promoting it, the “Orange is the New Black” alum followed up on her previous statements about having lost income under Donald Trump‘s administration, revealing that she’s earning about 90% less due to anti-DEI legislation.

Laverne Cox Sheds Light On Loss Of Income Under Trump Administration

Cox is best known as an actress and trans activist, with her activism often front and center as she speaks at colleges or even teaches classes around the country. However, due to Trump’s rollback of DEI initiatives, she’s experienced a sharp decline in bookings.

While speaking to The Guardian in June 2026, she said, “This regime has threatened to defund any colleges and universities that promote gender ideology, DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion].” Cox continued, “Even though I’d be teaching a graduate acting class, it could be perceived as promoting trans ideology. These are the realities.”

She went on to share that she’s earning about 90% less than she normally does with the combination of speaking engagements and entertainment jobs. Still, the actress can see the bright side of things despite the decreased income.

According to her, “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.”

Cox Previously Revealed She Had To Dip Into Savings

Cox first spoke about her loss of income under the Trump administration during an interview with Attitude. She said, “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.”

After that, the “Outcome” actress went into detail about her finances. According to her, “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.”

She added, “If it’s affecting me, then it’s definitely affecting other people.”

Fans Say Laverne Cox Is Partially To Blame For Loss Of Income

Cox recently came under fire after admitting to having dated what she referred to as a MAGA NYC police officer. Because of her activism and their beliefs not aligning, the “Orange is the New Black” alum faced intense backlash. Following her latest comments, many are saying this is to blame for the loss of opportunities.

One person said, “Her hypocrite a-s dated a maga cop, what did she expect???” Someone else said, “She can call her police maga EX to help her out.” Another person chimed in, “Maybe don’t date a MAGA Trump supporter cop and then complain about what Trump is doing to trans folks?!”

After that, another social media user said, “Yet she was just promoting her MAGA cop boyfriend and acting oblivious to the damage these people are causing.”

Lastly, a different person wrote, “Ooooh no Laverne don’t play this card. The reason is that your fan base turned against you because of your beliefs against your people. So don’t get it twisted!”

The Actress Recently Opened Up About Her Relationship

Cox recently appeared on The New York Times podcast “Modern Love.” While on the “Clean Slate,” actress opened up about her much-talked-about former relationship. According to her, “I was in sheer bliss with this man.”

After that, she began to discuss their political differences, saying, “Things would come up, and we would agree to disagree.” She went on to call her exes’ beliefs “problematic but not offensive,” discussing the way he was raised as well as “algorithms he was getting information he was consuming.”

Cox stated that she attempted to give her ex grace due to his upbringing and because “he had been propagandized to.”

She Also Detailed The Breakup

Cox continued her “Modern Love” interview, revealing that she was “so in love” with the police officer despite his beliefs that contradicted with her identity. According to her, “The love and the connection was bigger than his ignorance around politics.”

Regarding the breakup, she said, “I just refused to betray myself again.” She then acknowledged the backlash she’s received since revealing the relationship, saying, “So many people turned on me because I dated a man who was a cop and voted for Trump three times, and I get that. I get why people were upset.”

Cox’s book, “Transcendent,” is in stores now.