In a significant move, the U.S. Embassy in France has demanded that French companies comply with President Trump's directives against diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) policies, requiring them to certify non-involvement in such programs if they wish to continue business with the U.S. government.
U.S. Requests French Firms to Abandon D.E.I. Policies Amid Trade Tensions

U.S. Requests French Firms to Abandon D.E.I. Policies Amid Trade Tensions
The American Embassy demands compliance from businesses dealing with the U.S. government, escalating diplomatic strains.
The business landscape in France is currently under strain due to heightened tensions resulting from ongoing trade threats and tariffs from the United States as part of President Trump's "America First" agenda. In a recent communication, the American Embassy sent a concise letter to several French executives, explicating new requirements stemming from an executive order signed by Trump shortly after he took office.
This order prohibits federal contractors from engaging in practices that promote D.E.I., labeling them as “illegal discrimination.” French businesses were given a mere five days to confirm their adherence to the order by signing a declaration specified in the letter. Failure to comply would necessitate providing detailed explanations, a provision perceived as both a foreign policy maneuver and an operational ultimatum.
The communication has incited considerable unrest among French corporate leaders, leading to an official response from the French government, which characterized this American directive as reflective of U.S. values that starkly differ from those of France. Economy Minister Eric Lombard is expected to address these concerns with counterparts in the United States, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct national values amidst transatlantic partnerships.
As the diplomatic situation unfolds, the economic implications for French firms reliant on U.S. government contracts become increasingly complex, framing a potential shift in how global business practices are influenced by national policy directives.
This order prohibits federal contractors from engaging in practices that promote D.E.I., labeling them as “illegal discrimination.” French businesses were given a mere five days to confirm their adherence to the order by signing a declaration specified in the letter. Failure to comply would necessitate providing detailed explanations, a provision perceived as both a foreign policy maneuver and an operational ultimatum.
The communication has incited considerable unrest among French corporate leaders, leading to an official response from the French government, which characterized this American directive as reflective of U.S. values that starkly differ from those of France. Economy Minister Eric Lombard is expected to address these concerns with counterparts in the United States, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct national values amidst transatlantic partnerships.
As the diplomatic situation unfolds, the economic implications for French firms reliant on U.S. government contracts become increasingly complex, framing a potential shift in how global business practices are influenced by national policy directives.