The Trump administration has instructed certain French companies holding U.S. government contracts to comply with an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, marking a significant extension of U.S. policies into European corporate practices. The order highlights the growing tension between American policies and European business norms, particularly as it pertains to inclusion efforts.
These companies have been asked to confirm their compliance by filling out a questionnaire titled “Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law,” a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters.
This directive, issued as part of President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, further strains economic and political relations between the U.S. and Europe. Since Trump’s inauguration, his policies have sparked controversies, particularly over the issue of inclusion and diversity practices.
The U.S. government’s questionnaire raises questions about the steps French companies will need to take to align with U.S. policies, given the stark differences in the approach to diversity between the two countries. While U.S. companies have actively implemented DEI policies, including tracking race and ethnicity data and setting diversity goals, French companies are more constrained due to the country’s secular laws, which limit the collection of such data. French firms primarily focus on gender and socioeconomic background in their diversity efforts.
The move is also likely to cause concern in European business circles, with fears that the Trump administration is broadening its efforts to undermine DEI policies globally. This comes at a time when U.S. policies on tariffs and security matters have already strained transatlantic ties.
According to French business newspaper Les Echos, the U.S. embassy in Paris sent the letters to French companies, including state-controlled telecom giant Orange, which does not operate in the U.S. The letter, which was also seen by Le Figaro, reads: “We inform you that Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, signed by President Trump, applies to all suppliers and service providers of the U.S. Government, regardless of their nationality and the country in which they operate.”
The letter requests that companies complete and sign the document within five days. If a company refuses to sign, they are asked to provide detailed reasons, which will be forwarded to U.S. legal services.
The U.S. embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move has drawn strong criticism from France, with the Ministry of Foreign Trade calling it “unacceptable.” The ministry added in a statement to Reuters that, “American interference in the inclusion policies of French companies, along with threats of unjustified tariffs, is unacceptable. France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, and their values.”
At this time, it remains unclear if other European countries have received similar letters.
