Transgender actor Laverne Cox claimed to have lost 90% of his income, blaming President Donald Trump’s “regime” for the financial setback.
Cox, a biological male, claimed hosting contracts have dried up, corporate engagements aren’t booking and existing deals were not renewed during a recent interview with The Guardian. The Education Department has targeted so-called diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in U.S. universities since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
Squarely putting the blame on Trump’s administration, Cox told the publication, “This regime has threatened to defund any colleges and universities that promote gender ideology, DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion].”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Laverne Cox attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Cox went on to say he can no longer secure teaching work.
“[E]ven though I’d be teaching a graduate acting class, it could be perceived as promoting trans ideology,” he told The Guardian.
The actor went on to say, “These are the realities. 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?”
Doubling down on his position, he said, “There are material consequences for this kind of discrimination and scapegoating.” (RELATED: ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Featuring DEI Training, Drag Queen Axed Over Lack Of Viewership)
US actress Laverne Cox attends the New York special screening of the documentary film “I Am: Celine Dion” at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on June 17, 2024. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Cox pointed a finger at the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and complained that, “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.”
Project 2025 called for the abolition of DEI offices and removal of staff from such posts, according to a report from the think tank.
Despite blaming Trump’s opposition to DEI for major financial losses, Cox walked away from his position as host of E!’s “Live From the Red Carpet” in January 2025 after a three-year reign.