Paris charges US with 'interference' in DEI policies of French companies
Washington has requested that companies in partnership with the US government eliminate their diversity programs. France’s Ministry of Foreign Trade expressed strong disapproval of this demand from Washington, labeling it “unacceptable interference”...
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Washington has requested that companies in partnership with the US government eliminate their diversity programs.
France’s Ministry of Foreign Trade expressed strong disapproval of this demand from Washington, labeling it “unacceptable interference” in a statement to AFP on Saturday.
This statement follows reports from French media indicating that the US embassy in Paris sent letters to various companies, urging them to discontinue their internal anti-discrimination policies. This request ties back to a January executive order by US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives within federal agencies and their contractors.
Le Figaro reported that French firms collaborating with the US were given a deadline of five days to either abolish their DEI initiatives or provide a written explanation for their inability to do so. Each letter allegedly contained a “compliance form” and warned that noncompliance could lead to increased customs duties or even termination of US government contracts.
The French Trade Ministry conveyed to AFP, “American interference in the DEI policies of French companies, such as threats of unjustified customs duties, is unacceptable. France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, but also their values.”
Although the US embassy has not officially confirmed the request, the French Economy Ministry estimated that “dozens” of companies, including several telecommunications firms, might have received this notification.
A senior official from the Finance Ministry informed Le Figaro that while the changes “reflect the values of the new American government,” those values “are not ours.” It was also reported that French Economy Minister Eric Lombard plans to discuss the issue with his American counterparts.
Since taking office, Trump has implemented several executive orders targeting DEI initiatives, asserting that such programs contribute to discrimination. While he cannot legally mandate compliance from private companies, the administration has exerted pressure on contractors to align with federal policies. Major US corporations, including Amazon, Walmart, Meta, and Ford, have already reduced or eliminated DEI initiatives in response to these new regulations.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
France’s Ministry of Foreign Trade expressed strong disapproval of this demand from Washington, labeling it “unacceptable interference” in a statement to AFP on Saturday.
This statement follows reports from French media indicating that the US embassy in Paris sent letters to various companies, urging them to discontinue their internal anti-discrimination policies. This request ties back to a January executive order by US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives within federal agencies and their contractors.
Le Figaro reported that French firms collaborating with the US were given a deadline of five days to either abolish their DEI initiatives or provide a written explanation for their inability to do so. Each letter allegedly contained a “compliance form” and warned that noncompliance could lead to increased customs duties or even termination of US government contracts.
The French Trade Ministry conveyed to AFP, “American interference in the DEI policies of French companies, such as threats of unjustified customs duties, is unacceptable. France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, but also their values.”
Although the US embassy has not officially confirmed the request, the French Economy Ministry estimated that “dozens” of companies, including several telecommunications firms, might have received this notification.
A senior official from the Finance Ministry informed Le Figaro that while the changes “reflect the values of the new American government,” those values “are not ours.” It was also reported that French Economy Minister Eric Lombard plans to discuss the issue with his American counterparts.
Since taking office, Trump has implemented several executive orders targeting DEI initiatives, asserting that such programs contribute to discrimination. While he cannot legally mandate compliance from private companies, the administration has exerted pressure on contractors to align with federal policies. Major US corporations, including Amazon, Walmart, Meta, and Ford, have already reduced or eliminated DEI initiatives in response to these new regulations.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
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